Why did an angel announce the Savior's birth to shepherds? They were alert and vigilant. They were willing to follow instructions immediately. And they enthusiastically shared the good news. We can follow their example of receptiveness, responsiveness, and joyful testimony.
Joseph: He Arose
Joseph received multiple messages from God in dreams. Each time, “he arose” and followed the instructions he received without hesitation or delay. Lehi followed the same pattern, receiving divine messages in dreams and acting promptly. We can also lead our families through uncertainty by seeking and acting upon instructions from God.
“The Lord Is at Work with Us”
Mormon testified that he was following instructions he had received from God, even though he didn't fully understand them. Wilford Woodruff did the same when the Lord instructed him to end the practice of plural marriage. Their examples teach that we can trust and follow divine guidance even when we lack context or clarity.
“What I Say Unto One I Say Unto All”
Even when God speaks to an individual or a group, His intended audience may be much larger. He sometimes signals universal truths with the phrase, "What I say unto one I say unto all."
Reason and Revelation
God invites His disciples to blend sound judgment with spiritual direction. Nephi and Moroni taught that we can learn "all things" from the Holy Ghost, yet Jacob teaches us to "be wise." D&C 62:8 fuses these concepts, encouraging us to decide “according to judgment and the direction of the Spirit.” This combination facilitates spiritual growth.
Revelation Upon Revelation
When God answers your prayers with spiritual insight, don't stop there—ask if there is more. Knowledge comes “line upon line,” and the Lord promises “revelation upon revelation” to those who seek it (D&C 42:61). We will receive greater light if we continue asking and listening, with confidence that God has more to teach us.
My Runway
Like a pilot using their assigned runway, we each receive revelation from God within our appointed responsibilities. The Lord taught Oliver Cowdery this principle and instructed him to respect the "runway" of Joseph Smith. We can likewise receive revelation while respecting the revelation received by others within their assigned responsibilities.
“Thou Hast Been Enlightened”
We may receive an answer to a prayer before we realize that we have received an answer to a prayer. God explained to Oliver Cowdery that he had been enlightened many times by the Spirit of Truth. Jesus declared that a group of Lamanites had been baptized by fire without being aware of it. They had experienced the miracle, but they didn't yet have the gospel context to fully grasp its meaning.
Of God / Of the Devil
How do we respond to other people's spiritual experiences? A trusted leader told Joseph Smith that his first vision was "of the devil." In contrast, his father told him his vision of the angel Moroni was "of God." The Spirit can help us avoid defensiveness and recognize truth.
“Hear Him”
On at least three occasions, God the Father introduced His Son and invited a group of people to "hear Him." Various church leaders have made short videos in which they share how they hear the voice of the Savior. Here is a list of those messages.