By Divine Design
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does Elder Rasband mean by "divine design"?
- How does Elder Rasband illustrate the concept of divine intervention through scriptural examples?
- What personal experiences does Elder Rasband share to demonstrate God's hand in his life?
- How can recognizing divine design in our lives impact our faith and actions?
Topics
Recognize Divine Design in Life
Elder Rasband teaches that what we often perceive as coincidences are actually instances of divine intervention. He uses scriptural examples and personal stories to illustrate how God orchestrates events and relationships to fulfill His purposes.
"Coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by ‘coincidence’ but … by ‘divine design.’”
The Lord is in the small details of our lives, and those incidents and opportunities are to prepare us to lift our families and others as we build the kingdom of God on earth.
- What does Elder Rasband mean by "divine design"?
- How does the story of Alma and Amulek illustrate the concept of divine design?
- Why is it significant that Nephi was "led by the Spirit" when obtaining the plates from Laban?
- Can you identify a moment in your life where you felt God's hand guiding you?
- How can recognizing divine design in your life strengthen your faith?
- What steps can you take to be more responsive to spiritual promptings?
Understand God's Plan Through Scriptural Examples
Elder Rasband uses scriptural narratives, including Alma and Amulek, and Nephi and Laban, to emphasize that significant events in the gospel are not by accident but by God's plan. These examples show how God places individuals in specific situations to accomplish His purposes.
He who fashioned this world can calm the seas with His word and can steer both Alma and Amulek and Nephi and Laban to be at the right place at precisely the right time.
Significant events unfold in the gospel and in the Church that further the kingdom of God on earth. They are not by accident but by God’s plan.
- How does Elder Rasband use the stories of Alma and Amulek to illustrate divine design?
- What lesson can we learn from Nephi's experience in obtaining the plates from Laban?
- Reflect on a scriptural story that has impacted your understanding of God's plan. How does it relate to your life?
- How can you apply the lessons from these scriptural examples to your daily decisions and actions?
Recognize God's Hand in Personal Experiences
Elder Rasband shares personal experiences to illustrate how God's hand guides us in life. He recounts moments from his own life, including his family background, career opportunities, and his callings in the Church, to show that these were not orchestrated by him but by the Lord.
Looking back, I realize I did not orchestrate any of those moves; the Lord did, just as He is orchestrating important moves for you and for those you love.
The Lord placed me in a home with loving parents. By the world’s standards, they were very ordinary people.
- What personal experiences does Elder Rasband share to demonstrate God's hand in his life?
- How does Elder Rasband's family background illustrate divine design?
- Think of a time when you felt guided by God in your personal life. How did it impact you?
- How can you be more aware of God's hand in your daily experiences?
Embrace Changes as Part of God's Plan
Elder Rasband encourages us to view changes in our plans not as missteps but as steps to being on the Lord’s errand. He shares examples of how unexpected events can be part of God's divine design to guide us to greater purposes.
Sometimes we consider changes in our plans as missteps on our journey. Think of them more as first steps to being “on the Lord’s errand.”
Heavenly Father can put us in situations with specific intent in mind.
- Why does Elder Rasband encourage us to see changes in our plans as steps to being on the Lord’s errand?
- How can unexpected events be part of God's divine design?
- Reflect on a change in your life that seemed like a misstep but later revealed itself as part of God's plan. How did it shape you?
- How can you better embrace changes in your plans with faith in God's design?
Trust in the Lord's Guidance
Elder Rasband emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord's guidance. He assures us that the Lord is in the details of our lives and that by trusting Him, we can be led to fulfill our divine potential.
The Lord’s hand is guiding you. By “divine design,” He is in the small details of your life as well as the major milestones.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; … and he shall direct thy paths.
- What does Elder Rasband teach about trusting in the Lord's guidance?
- How can recognizing the Lord's hand in the details of your life bring you peace?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in the Lord's guidance?
- How can you develop greater trust in the Lord's plan for you?
