The Principle of the Last Minute
Sunday, October 5th, 2008 |
I’ll admit it; I have a least-favorite scripture. In the standard works there are plenty of verses that inspire and encourage, but there are also a few that just scare the bejeebers out of me. Consider the following:
“Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless–whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day…” ~Mosiah 23:21-22
When we reflect upon the term last day we may think of the time when Christ will return and reign with glory, or perhaps, rather, it is the battle of Armageddon that comes to mind. I don’t know if either of these is the appropriate interpretation of the term in this scripture, however. Looking at these verses in context, here Alma and his followers fall into bondage under Amulon, who persecutes them, places burdens upon their backs, and prevents them even from praying to their God. After sufficiently trying their patience, however, the Lord finally delivers them from bondage at the last day. That is the part that scares me: the Lord waiting until the last day to deliver.
I call this the Principle of the Last Minute
I have had several experiences where I have seen this principle in action. I’ll share one that is perhaps the most meaningful because it is so trivial:
About two years ago I bought a projector. I enjoy movies and was looking forward to watching them on the big screen. After some initial fiddling with my new purchase I realized I was missing a vital cord I would need in order to make use of the projector. I ordered the necessary cord and my roommates and I planned a movie night for the upcoming Friday.
The cord was being sent to my brother’s house and so on Friday, the day of our planned first movie, I drove there to pick it up. Unfortunately it had not yet arrived. While I’m sure we could have rescheduled the movie night it was important enough to me that we still hold it that night that I said a quick prayer asking that the cord would be delivered. The day wore on. Still no cord. Finally, I could wait no longer and had to head back to my apartment. I was literally one minute from walking out the door when the doorbell rang. I just laughed. I knew what it was. Sure enough, there on the doorstep was the package containing my cord.
I never cease to be impressed by how aware Father is of my needs. Even something so silly as a computer cord is not unimportant to Him as long as it is important to me. I’m grateful He has continually heard and answered my prayers, even if He has made me wait until the last minute.
I still don’t like that scripture.
3 Comments to The Principle of the Last Minute
I love this scripture. I use it to rationalize procrastination in my life.
missyOctober 14, 2008
I don’t know who Kellen is, but from his comments he sounds like quite a piece of work. And I’m pretty sure yellow has been my favorite color since before he was born.
KellenOctober 15, 2008
Missy, how can you assume that I was not alive when YOU were born? How old am I? the first time I voted, it was for William Jennings Bryan (the second time he ran).
October 7, 2008