In response to a brother who felt he was overlooked when a new bishop was called

Brother (name),

Thank you for sharing so openly your feelings. You may find interesting that Bishop (name) was experiencing similar impressions at the same time you were.The only answer I have as to why you were both received such middle-of-the-night promptings (and maybe there were others) is that those feelings were very real and the Lord was not playing games…but His timing is not always our timing. 

I’m grateful your sadness and hurt will be short lived. I have been grateful, too, over the years that they’ve been short-lived. I can think of one calling that both my wife and I received separate similar, unmistakeable promptings about a calling that I was to receive. We seldom spoke of it, but when she mentioned it once, I replied that I thought it was meant for the next life (not knowing if there are any church callings in the next life…but if the missionary work is organized as per D&C 138, there must be some type of leadership callings there). Instead, much to my surprise, the call came nearly 30 years later.

So I know well the feelings of “why did I receive that prompting?” or “did I let the Lord down by not being worthy?” or “was I just imagining things, did my ego get the best of me?”

I hope this is somewhat helpful. Again, thank you for not letting this weigh you down or keep you from moving forward in faith. You are a man of great stature, leadership and faithfulness and the Lord will continue to honor you with the choicest of blessings and opportunities to serve Him and His children.

Crismon