Joseph was receiving A LOT of revelation as the Church began to be organized.
We don’t know exactly what this process was like for him…
But, based off of other patterns that Joseph spoke about, I have a feeling his mind kept getting drawn to certain topics, he would have questions come to mind about those topics, he would ask the questions in sincere prayer, and then he would receive some form of direction or inspiration.
So when Joseph started teaching the saints about everything that he had learned, he felt confident about what he was saying because he had felt the original INSPIRATION.
But those saints?
These people who had gotten glimpses of the spirit from the Book of Mormon or from hearing a sermon and wanted to learn more?
These people who all had unique backgrounds and stories, but still felt led to learn more?
They needed to have Joseph’s inspiration CONFIRMED to them.
It’s a pattern that I’ve seen my whole life, both in the church and in families.
Someone who is qualified receives inspiration.
A new family habit that mom and dad think should be implemented; a calling that needs to be extended by a Stake President; an idea from a committee member about how this Relief Society activity could be more effective.
And then others work toward receiving confirmation of their inspiration.
Sometimes, that confirmation is immediate.
It’s in the moment the idea or teaching is spoken.
I remember the first time President Nelson spoke as the prophet. I immediately felt confirmation from the Spirit that his call had come through divine inspiration.
But other times, that confirmation takes a while.
That new counsel or calling takes a bit to settle. Emotions may get in the way of an initial confirmation, and so we have to wait.
But when it comes, it is powerful.
As the Lord taught in D&C 20:10, “Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others”.
Sometimes we receive the inspiration, and sometimes we wait in patience for the confirmation.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
