Lifting Someone from Despair - Raising Sights to Greater Things

When Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail, he was obviously not very happy. His prayer pleading for help from God for his people was very dramatic. God answered by saying a few things:

1) I hear you

2) Things aren't as bad as they could be; stick with it and all will end well

3) Your prayer will be answered, but not yet

4) This is a great time in the history of the world; great things will happen

5) The priesthood, which will play a role in these great things, must be used by good people based upon certain principles

Notice # 4. In part God was helping Joseph now by lifting his sight beyond his immediate surroundings. Joseph was wrongfully thrown in a jail with very poor conditions while his family and people were being moved out of the state and many died. One of the things God helped Joseph with was to understand how great the church and its people would become. It appears that we can put up with a lot if the results are going to be very worthwhile. God was trying to help Joseph focus on the results. Here's one powerful verse explaining what God would do with the church members:

33How long can rolling waters remain impure? What ^apower shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to ^bhinder the ^cAlmighty from pouring down^dknowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints.

A great leader is one who can help his followers see greatness in the seemingly mundane things in life. Some might say that raising a family is boring or not living up to its potential, but an active Mom who is guiding her kids is easily the most positively influential person those kids will ever be in contact with. If a church leader can help kids see that making good choices now helps lay a great foundation for life, they're doing a good job. God did that with Joseph here. He gave a glimpse of great things that would happen in the future for Joseph's people. God gave hope, a reason for persevering.

Have a great day.