4 And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them: What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father? 5 And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired. 6 And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, [ 3 NEPHI 28:4-6 ]
Righteous Desires
Shortly after His resurrection, Jesus visits the people here in the Americas. And as He did in His earthly ministry in Jerusalem, He also called Twelve Apostles here in this land. And before He left to return to the Father, He asked each of them, one by one (v1), what they desired of Him before He left. Nine of the disciples asked to continue their life’s work in the ministry until they reached the “age of man”—72 years old (v2). But the remaining three hesitated with their desires.
Heartfelt Hesitation
Surely the remaining three disciples thought the desire of the other nine was a great idea. Who wouldn’t want to be blessed to know they were going to be able to finish their life’s work and then “speedily” come unto the Lord in His kingdom (v2)? But the three still hesitated. Even that they “sorrowed in their hearts” and “durst not speak” (v5) for fear of not being as wise, or as worthy as their fellow nine disciples, or that Jesus wouldn’t be as pleased with them because of their different desires on how to live and serve out the rest of their lives.
Powerful Promises
As Jesus always does, with tender mercies, He not only comforts them by saying He knows their thoughts (v6), but goes on to tell them they will be even more blessed for this decision (which John His Beloved) desired (v6) and that they will be able to continue their mortal ministry “while the world shall stand.” Plus, they were promised that they would “never endure the pains of death,” or experience physical pain, or sorrow, “save it be for the sins of the world” and that they will have “a fullness of joy, and “sit down in the kingdom of my Father” (v7-10). How relieved and grateful they must have felt to realize they weren’t being silly or selfish with their desires.
Christlike Confidence
I know that each of us has a special purpose in this life. You are not here on Earth by accident, or born randomly at the time you were born. I also don’t believe you are reading these words by coincidence. I believe that the Lord wants you to tell Him the desires of your heart. I believe that He wants to bless you in all that you do so that you can have peace and joy and so you can also be a blessing unto others. As such, don’t compare your desires, or achievements (or lack thereof) to others. They have their place and promises and you have yours. Be confident in who and Whose you are and know that you do have very special and personal reason to be alive and that you have been entrusted with accompanying gifts and talents to bless your life and the lives of others. Thus, what do you desire Jesus to help you accomplish in your life? Don’t doubt, or hesitate to ask Him with your heart, then listen and go forth in faith.