2017
How Can I Know If My Answer Is from the Spirit or Just Me?
August 2017


“How Can I Know If My Answer Is from the Spirit or Just Me?” Liahona, August 2017

Answers for You

How Can I Know If My Answer Is from the Spirit or Just Me?

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Elder Ronald A. Rasband

“Remember the words of Nephi. ‘I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the thing which I should do. Nevertheless,’ he said, ‘I went forth’ [1 Nephi 4:6–7].

“And so must we. We must be confident in our first promptings. Sometimes we rationalize; we wonder if we are feeling a spiritual impression or if it is just our own thoughts. When we begin to second-guess, even third-guess, our feelings—and we all have—we are dismissing the Spirit; we are questioning divine counsel. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that if you will listen to the first promptings, you will get it right nine times out of ten.”