It’s true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. You may feel that because of your mistakes in life and the commandments of God you have not kept that you are lost forever without a happy future. It is never too late to start keeping the commandments of God. No matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities or how ordinary your appearance, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you and wants to help you through your challenges. The Savior’s sacrifice will remove our sins and mistakes if we repent and try to follow Him starting today.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “Whether you feel like a hero or not, you are one! You are the hero of your own life’s story! You are a child of God. He is your Heavenly Father. He loves you and is only a prayer away. You have Jesus Christ and the effects of His Atonement are always available to take away the pain and loneliness of mistakes and sin.
TRUST THAT GOD WILL GUIDE YOUR STEPS
“No matter how far away your destination feels, know this: you may not get to where you want to go in a day or a week or even a year. But, if you continue to place one foot in front of the other and strive each day to follow your plan, things will work out and you will reach your goals. You will certainly find surprises and unexpected challenges during your adventure, but those are the things that make a successful story–your life story! And, especially, remember that if you trust in the Lord, learn of Him, have faith in Him, He will direct your path. ‘trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.’ (Proverbs 3: 5-6 in the Bible)
My beloved friends, fellow travelers on the road of this great adventure of mortality, do not be discouraged. Do not give up. The future is bright! Someday, like me, you will look back on the person you are now with kindness and compassion, and you will know then that the steps you took today molded you into the wonderful person you have yet to become.”
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE
When we change our sinful ways the Lord forgives our sins and removes their effects on us. “…though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1: 18 in the Bible). “…for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31: 34 in the Bible)
We Have a Bright Future to Look Forward To
The Savior said, “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” (Doctrine & Covenants 14: 7 p. 25)
As we learn about the marvelous “Plan of Salvation” that Heavenly Father has for His sons and daughters that keep the Savior’s commandments, we begin in a small way to understand what the Lord meant by the following: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2: 9 in the Bible).
Dallas Jones is the local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This column quoted part of an article by Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the Aug. 2020 edition of Ensign. For further discussion call (231) 383-8359 or send an email to dallasjones8349@yahoo.com. Visit djonesarticles.com to read previous articles written by Dallas Jones for the News Advocate.