Question
Gramps,
By the grace of the atonement I was able to overcome a drug addiction a number of years ago. A disagreement that my wife and I have always had is that someone who is still involved in their addiction can still receive guidance or promptings from the Holy Spirit. My testimony is that they absolutely can because I have, and I don’t know of an addict that would ever make a change. I was also told in a subsequent Bishop interview that he believed that was the case as well, thanks in advance.
Danny
Answer
Danny,
Let me answer your unasked question: No, you should not be arguing with your wife over this matter. You have a testimony of what happened to you. That’s first-hand experience. If your wife wants to think differently, that’s her prerogative. Whether or not she agrees with you doesn’t change your experiences or testimony even one iota.
Even in our darkest hours the Holy Ghost can guide and direct us if we would but allow Him to do so.
President Russell M. Nelson said:
“When you reach up for the Lord’s power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him–when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life–you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do. When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you.”
For what it’s worth, I very much believe that the Holy Ghost can influence people even through their weaknesses. If such were not the case, we would all be lost. I also believe that illicit drug usage negatively impacts our ability to receive divine instruction, so I would never recommend that course. But your experience stands as a testimony to you of the power of the atonement, which is the love of God.
Gramps
