As I read the introduction to President Dallin H. Oaks’s new book, Learning the Great Fundamentals, I was surprised to learn about the unique timeline of his spiritual development. Even though he grew up in the Church, he explains that he didn’t begin a “systematic in-depth study of the doctrine” of the Church until he was 31 years old.

That’s not to say the prophet was spiritually disengaged until that point. He went to seminary as a youth, read the Book of Mormon, and took religion classes at Brigham Young University. But because of the Korean War, he was unable to serve a mission.

“The opportunity for mature gospel learning in the mission field was not possible for me,” he writes. “For me, there had to be a different way” (emphasis added).

I think our prophet’s statement is universally relatable—in one way or another, life will surprise all of us. As the image of what we expected for ourselves is pushed aside by reality, we realize there will have “to be a different way” and embrace our unique spiritual development.

Luckily for us, nothing surprises God.

As I learned more about President Oaks’s life, I recognized that God steadily and deliberately tutored him over many years. A series of ascending steps helped strengthen young President Oaks’s testimony: he read Jesus the Christ during his field artillery training, he was called as a stake missionary, and he served as the second counselor in a Chicago stake presidency. This was all preceded by the spiritual influences of his mother and grandparents during his childhood.

Even his career became a tool in helping him gain a deeper testimony. The prophet explains that he naturally followed the “familiar pattern” of his law studies as he began a more deliberate study of the gospel:

He subsequently served as president of BYU and then as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

This series of events in the prophet’s life makes me think of Revelation 3:20, when the Savior says, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

President Oaks’s spiritual path was somewhat unconventional, but that didn’t matter, because he listened to the Savior’s knocking.

What’s amazing is that the Savior doesn’t knock only at the door of future prophets—this is how He communicates with each of us. He meets us where we are and gently asks to be let in. And if we choose to open our hearts, we will inevitably come to know Him.

Yes, the way may be different than we expect, but the surprising nature of the Atonement never fails to delight me. It can alchemize every part of our lives and deepen our wonder at the goodness of our Heavenly Father and Savior. In my own life, I’ve had detours become beautiful destinations, painful trials turn into empowering triumphs, and strangers develop into dear friends.

And through all these experiences, my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ has only deepened.

As President Dieter F. Ucthdorf explains,

I’m grateful for the example of our prophet, who faithfully looked ahead amid the demands of his country, his schooling, and his career, and continued to trust the Lord’s different way.

More articles for you:
▶ 4 invitations Pres. Oaks shared at BYU to help you draw closer to Christ
▶ What I realized about God and garments from studying the Creation
▶ 3 practical tips for pacing yourself while serving others

A reminder of His love

This awe-inspiring cultured marble Christus statue depicts Jesus Christ just as the scriptures describe Him, beckoning to us with open arms, as if saying, “Come unto me.” Available in 3”—perfect for a ministering gift, missionary care package, or display in your home.

More