When Revelation Seems Wrong

Sometimes in our lives we receive revelation that later seems to be wrong. It can be confusing if we only take it at surface value. However, this week I read a passage in the Book of Mormon that gave me valuable insights into these situations.

In Alma 60:33 Moroni, in his anger of feeling neglected by the Government, says to Pahoran,

"Behold, the Lord saith unto me: If those whom ye have appointed your governors do not repent of their sins and iniquities, ye shall go up to battle against them."

Here Moroni specifically says that he received revelation from God saying that if the appointed Governors (ie. Pahoran and his councilors) didn't repent he should go to battle against them. This implies that God is confirming that Pahoran and the government are sinners. But in reality that's not the case. Unbeknownst to Moroni Pahoran has actually been faithful this whole time.

So what happened? Was Moroni confused about the revelation he received? That's possible, but more  I believe that God was using Moroni to answer someone else's question. It was revelation for Moroni in a sense, but even more so it was actually meant to be revelation for Pahoran.

In Alma 61:19-20 Pahoran writes back to Moroni,

" And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it should be just in us to go against our brethren.

But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that ye should go against them."

Moroni's revelation wasn't wrong! Perhaps Moroni misunderstood it's full meaning, but it had a powerful purpose in telling both of them how they should solve the problem they were currently facing. This spiritual confirmation was exactly what both of them needed to confront the difficult civil war they had to fight to save their people.

Often in our lives, we may similarly receive revelations that end up seeming to be wrong, but actually have a purpose beyond their face value. As we continue to be patient and wait upon the Lord he does answer our prayers often in miraculous ways we don't expect.

Revelation does come. God does answer prayers, but it doesn't always happen the way we think it will. However if we have faith and trust in God we can have a firm confidence that He will hear our prayers. This is something I want to have more faith in. As I do I know that like Moroni I will eventually see the purpose of the revelation I receive even if it isn't clear until the end.