You can ask, BUT...

Yesterday I had the privilege of hearing Al Fox Caraway (The Tattooed Mormon) speak in Sandy, Utah. I rarely do things like this, especially alone, but I decided Friday night that I was going, no matter what! I told a friend that I was going alone and their response was, "that's weird." Yes, it was weird because I am a very social person and although it crossed my mind to ask a friend to join me I was prompted that this was something I needed to do alone. 

I'm making this sound way more intense than a 40 minute drive to Sandy but for me yesterday it was. I have been refilling my tires with air for weeks now avoiding having to fork out $470 bucks for new tires. I know, I know not the smartest thing to do, however I did get a patch in the most concerning one so I should get adulting points for that!

So naturally when I decided to make this little trip my first worry was my tires, the supposedly "repaired" tire in particular. I hadn't filled them in a day or two and the one was looking rather mushy. I didn't think I had time to pump it up. If I was going to be late I may as well not go right? I chose just to ride on faith and positive thinking. 
So here I am in my Sunday best, ready to take on this solo journey, I get three blocks away from my house and the thought came to me to pull over and pray for safe travels and for my tires to survive the freeway. Since I am currently reading a book on following the promptings and revelation given to me I would be a fool not to listen right then. 

** By the way the book is fantastic and I recommend it! You can explore buying options by clicking the Title: Following the Light of Christ into His Presence by John Pontious. It has truly been changing my life and thought processes. It was suggested to me by my counselor.**

Okay back to business. So I pulled over and said a prayer out loud thanking Him for the inspiration to do this and for my vehicle in general and then of course to help my tires make it to Sandy and back. I felt confident and got back on the road. I was on the freeway, so far so good. I had prayed right so of course things were going to work out! I had faith and I was doing a positive uplifting activity so that should just carry me through! I covered all my bases to deserve a miracle.

After passing two exits, two gas stations, two opportunities for air, I remembered the story of the man stuck on an island. He prayed to God to help Him off the island and God gave Him the peace that He would. So in the passing time a boat came by and offered him a way off. He declined saying "No thank you, God has let me know He will help me." Then a helicopter came and offered him the same, he declined again. And for a third time an airplane landed, offering him a way off the island. He again declined with the confidence that God was coming as He promised He would. After the third option off the island was out of sight the man saw nothing for hours. Night fell and still no miraculous rescue. The man prayed to God again with disappointment in his voice asking "Why haven't you come for me like you said you would?" God kindly answered, "I sent you a boat, a helicopter and a plane. You denied them all." The man hadn't recognized that those three opportunities were Heavenly Fathers promised rescue. 

So in relation to my story, I missed the boat on 800, the helicopter on 1600 but I was not going to miss the plane in Pleasant Grove. I pulled over on the next exit to find a chevron with free air! Free air, that's a novel idea, how generous. I filled my tires until they were plump. The problem tire was especially in need. I completed my journey to enjoy Al speak and made it home. The end. 

I apologize this is not a story of heroic proportions. It was not an experience of miraculous rescue or enormous gesture. It is a story of preparedness and a lesson about faith and action.

It was so clear to me that yes, I had prayed for my tires. I prayed for safe travels. But my message here today is that just praying is not enough. It is a wonderful and righteous start, but when the resources are there and we have the ability to help ourselves on top of the blessings from the Lord well then, that is the key.

We can prevent hardships by incorporating our preparation with the spirit and guidance of our Heavenly Father. Are my tires perfect and no longer in need of a replacement? No, I still have to make things happen there. Life is still life. That is the beauty of it though. For me, I feel more love from my Savior and Heavenly Father when they trust me to FIGURE IT OUT. My tire was flat again four hours after I got home but He delivered me to that conference and He delivered me back home according to my faith and action.

It was a wonderful experience listening to Al and her story and I am grateful God gave me the opportunities to help myself get there. I am greatly moved by my Savior's love for me. His awareness of each of our needs is a testament to me that whatever I desire in righteousness and whatever I need, He knows. He will help me help myself.

I leave you this today with a prayer for each of you to look at your lives and where you are waiting for the rescue while the resources are passing you by. Make those changes and look for the boat, the helicopter or the plane. Those are not just coincidences. I hope this Sunday is a beautiful one for all of you.