Joseph Smith, Jr. said:
“A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus.” (History of the Church 3:381)
Sharing the Gospel is a wonderful thing when it is received with interest and joy, and rather painful when rejected. But I think the wonder far outweighs the pain. At least, I have found that to be the case in my own life.
One key principle separates The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the rest of the Christian sects. We believe, wholly and completely in personal revelation. Our seventh Article of Faith says:
We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
The type of revelation Joseph Smith, Jr. mentioned above. In locating those who might be interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and His restored Gospel, one of the greatest gifts, and tools, we’ve been given is personal revelation. Through the inspiration of the Spirit of God we can know who to share with the Gospel and who will dismiss it out of hand.
There are those who are kneeling in prayer every day asking for God to send His representatives to them. They might be begging for surcease from the drag of daily living without His light in their lives. They could possibly be asking for someone to show them the way. That someone could be you.
And how might one know who to approach?
Wilford Woodruff offers sweet advice:
“. . . when the heart is sufficiently contrite, then the voice of inspiration steals along and whispers.” (History of the Church 3:293)
It is, quite simply, as painless as that. We ask in humility, having prepared ourselves with the knowledge of the Gospel, that we might be of service to Him and to those seeking Jesus Christ. We can ask that these people be put in our path and that we might know who they might be as they cross our path.
Do not hesitate. Do not judge. Do not tremble. For your God is with you and as you go about His work you will be blessed to