D&C 9

Many saints have served in important and responsible positions in the Church. Many are greatly qualified and talented in their abilities to serve in, so called, greater positions. But what is important is that we willing to serve in the present call and do so diligently.

Oliver Cowdery was told that he possessed the gift of translation just as the Prophet Joseph Smith. Oliver even attempted to translate the sacred record at one time but really struggled in doing so. It was then that the Lord taught this principle -

"Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.
4 Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:3 - 4)

"Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:6)

Oliver though was promised -

"...behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:2)

Of course, if he remained faithful which he did not at times. J. Reuben Clark served as a first counselor in the First Presidency. After it was reorganzied, he was called to be the second counselor. Many saints thought this inappropriate. But President Clark taught -

"In the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve but how. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one takes the place to which one is duly called, which place one neither seeks nor declines" (Conference Report, Apr. 1951, 154).