Obedience = enabling power

This week I gained a stronger testimony of obedience.  We have been asked in our mission to tract 7 hours each week (an hour a day).  I don't know why, but for some reason I have really struggled with this on my mission, and having a full testimony of doing it that much.  I know that sounds silly, especially to those who have served in areas where they tract more than double that a week; nevertheless, it has been a struggle for me.

This last week, a thought really hit me - Sometimes we judge what is most effective by how quickly it produces results.  I have learned that this is not always true.  What is most effective is what the Lord has asked us to do, because then we are enabled by His help.  Such is the case with tracting. :)

The Lord has asked us - asked me - to tract 7 hours each week, through his servant, President McDonough.  Many believe that there is a more effective way, and even Preach My Gospel says so, but the Lord has asked us at this time to do 7 hours of tracting each week.  As Sister Keyes and I did all we could to tract not only get 7 hours, but to tract everyday, we noticed the strength of the Lord more in our work and our lives.  The enabling power of the atonement was more present and we were able to accomplish greater things.  We also noticed that we didn't have a lot of "success" in our actual tracting efforts.  It was one of our lowest weeks for Book of Mormons given, lessons taught while tracting, and new investigators.

I know that the Lord has been shaping us and allowing us to gain a testimony of obedience.  I know that we will see the fruit of our labors, but just as fruit takes time to grow, our fruit may also take time to show.  I know that the best way is to do as the Brother of Jared did and follow the instructions that the Lord has already given us before we ask for more.  That we too may say, "O Lord, behold I have done even as thou hast commanded me..."

This week will be a new challenge, as we will be in Meridian from this afternoon through Wednesday night, but Sister Keyes and I are determined to do all that the Lord has commanded us.  I know that that is how we gain strength.

Also exciting news!  [One of our solid investigators] has a baptism date!  Hopefully he will be baptized on September 27th!  In just under 2 weeks!  We have a game plan to teach him everything he needs to be taught before then.  Some of my most powerful lessons have been with [this man].  He is awesome and I know that he will be baptized one day...hopefully soon!

I love you all!  Have an enabling week!