Be patient

Be patient, my son, for … it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time … Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner. D&C 9:3-6

Oliver Cowdery arrived in Harmony, Pennsylvania, on 5 April 1829 to inquire about Joseph Smith. Two days later he began to serve as scribe for the Prophet. Shortly thereafter he desired to be endowed with the gift of translation – as Joseph had been. But it was the Lord’s desire that Oliver continue as scribe until the translation of the Book of Mormon was completed (D&C 9:1, 4). Then, the Lord promised Oliver, He would give him power to assist in the translation of other records (D&C 9:2-3). The Lord was not only ensuring that the work of translation went forward but was tutoring Oliver, and each of us, in the things of eternity. We are to perform well the labor to which we have been assigned and not aspire to do the work of another. We must be patient, faithful, humble, and steadfast in our callings (D&C 9:14). We must trust the Lord’s purposes, without murmuring, and learn the things of eternity. (Robert L. Millet and Lloyd D. Newell. Draw Near Unto Me: Daily Reflections on the Doctrine and Covenants. 31)