Can I Really Trust the Prophet’s Guidance?

By Savanna Cummings

I had always chosen to follow the prophet, but could I trust him in this instance?

When I got the call that I would be evacuated from my mission, I was upset and confused.

Several months before I was supposed to be released, the First Presidency decided to send me and several other missionaries home based on what I thought were only rumors of a possible international conflict. There wasn’t any evidence that anything was going to happen.

I didn’t think there was anything to worry about.

Questioning Inspiration

I had always wanted to serve a mission and had worked so hard to accomplish that goal. Money was tight, but I found a job that helped me earn enough to pay for my mission. When I opened my call, it felt so right, and I knew it came from God.

Then, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was reassigned to a mission in Utah for nine months before I made it overseas to my original assignment. I was relieved and overjoyed to finally be where God had originally called me to be.

Then, after just a few months of being there, I was suddenly whisked away from the people and country that I loved. I felt like everything was being taken away from me.

I felt betrayed. I sincerely questioned whether this was an inspired choice.

Begrudgingly, I flew home to Texas. My evacuation was so unexpected that my dad and siblings weren’t even at the airport to welcome me home.

A Blessing of Safety

Just a few days after I left my mission, I was shocked when a dangerous conflict broke out close to where I had been serving. In that moment, I realized that following the prophet had kept me safe in a very real way. I was overcome with gratitude for the prophet and his inspiration.

I made a promise to myself that I would always heed what the prophet said, even if it didn’t make sense in the moment.

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently said: “Having prophets is a sign of God’s love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ to Their people.”

I really do believe that President Russell M. Nelson is the mouthpiece of the Lord. He works directly with Heavenly Father and the Savior to lead us to safety and give us hope and direction during challenging times.

The Blessings of Following the Prophet

If you’re still wondering whether the prophet is called of God, my advice is to act on his invitations. Try rereading President Nelson’s recent conference talks and studying the scriptures he recommends. Act on his invitations and study the blessings he promises alongside those invitations.

Elder Soares also taught, “By following [the prophets], our lives are happier and less complicated, our difficulties and problems are easier to bear, and we create a spiritual armor around us.”

I have seen these blessings in my life as I’ve followed the prophet’s counsel. I know that these blessings are available to everyone who puts their trust in God and His prophet.