At the beginning of 2020, I read the book The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey. Talking about how each of us has an individual purpose, Oprah says, "Your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you are meant to be, and begin to honor your calling in the best way possible."
In her book, Oprah shares her thoughts and insights and quotes parts of interviews she has had over the years with many different people. One of the quotes is from Pastor Wintley Phipps.
"So I'm hearing in my head at sixteen: I've seen your dreams. Now give me your dreams and I will let you see a glimpse of what I've been dreaming for you. Let me tell you, God is the ultimate dreamer, and when he dreams, he also dreams about us. He dreams about you. He dreams about me. And the most amazing thing that can happen in the life of a human being is to catch a glimpse of what God’s been dreaming for you.”
We don't get to see the future as one big, open view, but we can know parts of what we can become or what we should do as we stay close to the Lord. He will guide us to where He wants us to be even though we can't always see why. We can be sure to "honor [our] calling" when we follow the promptings, thoughts, and incessant prodding we receive. It helps us to serve others, to discover truths, and to become who Heavenly Father is dreaming we will be.
Not everything in our lives will be easy, and that is the way God planned it. We can't progress in comfort and ease. We can't become the person He knows we can become without resistance. But through it all, we can be assured that we are not alone and it is not without purpose. We can say, "It is well with my soul."
Below is a video of a short message and a soul-stirring, captivating rendition of "It Is Well with My Soul" from Wintley Phipps. You can find many of his sermons and songs online.
"It is in the quiet crucible of your personal, private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given in compensation for what you have been through." Wintley Phipps
These beautiful words remind me of a quote by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin:
“The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.”
We are blessed in our trials and because of our faith and perseverance through them. We can become who we are meant to be by our growth through our trials. So we should allow everything to be "well with [our] souls."
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