Finding Truth and Guidance Through Obedience

“Show me Latter-day Saints who have to feed upon miracles, signs and visions in order to keep them steadfast in the Church, and I will show you members…who are not in good standing before God, and who are walking in slippery paths.  It is not by marvelous manifestations unto us that we shall be established in truth, but it is by humility and faithful obedience to the commandments and laws of God” (Joseph F. Smith)

This really rings true to me. In my own life, I have learned that receiving guidance and direction from God and the manifestation of truth is a direct result of obedience to God's commandments. It takes action (obedience) along with faith to receive direction and revelation from God.

I've also learned, just as the above quote says, that guidance from God and the manifestation of truth doesn't usually come in the form of miracles, signs and visions. It is more likely that we will be guided by the whisperings of the Holy Ghost through small spiritual impressions. Sometimes we may actually recognize those impressions as coming from God.  However I think more often than not, we may not even recognize that we're being guided and directed through revelation. But I do know that even though we may not always recognize the small impressions we receive as coming from God, when we are faithfully obeying God's laws, we can be assured that God is directing our path and enlightening our minds with the Spirit of truth.

"Sometimes the spirit of revelation will operate immediately and intensely, other times subtly and gradually, and often so delicately you may not even consciously recognize it.  But regardless of the pattern whereby this blessing is received, the light it provides will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding, and direct and protect you and your family." (Elder David A. Bednar)

I love this scripture in the Book of Mormon: Mosiah 2:41
"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God.  For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of neverending happiness.  O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."