We Face Mighty Challenges in the World Today
Gordon B. Hinckley described the world that today’s young people are about to enter when he said: “We live in a season when fierce men do terrible and despicable things. We live in a season of war. We live in a season of arrogance. We live in a season of wickedness, pornography, immorality. Our young people have never faced a greater challenge. We have never seen more clearly the lecherous face of evil.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, ‘Living in the Fulness of Times,’ Ensign, Nov. 2001)
Russell M. Nelson said “Each individual will make his or her way in a constantly changing world—a world of competing ideologies. The forces of evil will ever be in opposition to the forces of good. Satan constantly strives to influence us to follow his ways and make us miserable, even as he is. And the normal risks of life, such as illness, injury, and accident, will ever be present. We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.
Keep the Commandments of God
“Keep all the commandments of God, knowing that they are given to bless His children and bring them joy. Warn them that they will encounter people who pick which commandments they will keep and ignore others that they choose to break. I call this the cafeteria approach to obedience. This practice of picking and choosing will not work. It will lead to misery. To prepare to meet God, one keeps all of His commandments. It takes faith to obey them, keeping His commandments will strengthen that faith.
And remember, God’s holy angels are ever on call to help us. The Lord so declared: ‘I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.’ (Doctrine & Covenants 84:88). What a promise! When we are faithful, He and His angels will help us. God will heed your sincere and heartfelt prayers, and your faith will be strengthened.” (Russell M. Nelson, ‘Face the Future with Faith’, May 2011 in Liahona Magazine)
Jesus Christ Has Made Our Future Bright
“As we think about the future, we should be filled with faith and hope. Always remember that Jesus Christ—the Creator of the universe, the architect of our salvation is in control. He will not permit His work to fail. He will be victorious over all darkness and evil. And He invites us all, who are the honest in heart, to join in the battle for the souls of God’s children. Along with all else we will do in life, we must also dedicate and consecrate our heart, might, mind, and strength to His cause, walking in faith and working with conviction. Face the future with optimism.” (M. Russell Ballard, ‘Face the Future with Hope’, Address at Brigham Young University – Idaho, April 6, 2012)
The Savior Jesus Christ said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33 in the Bible). This means the Savior is in control and His great Plan of Happiness for the children of God will not be stopped by any evil influences.
The Apostle Paul declared, “…that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14: 22 in the Bible)
Earth life was designed to be a test for the sons and daughters of God. We are being tested to see if we will develop faith, keep the commandments of God and endure adversity and challenges.
Increasing Our Faith
What strengthens my faith is to realize that the “Great Creator” is my loving Heavenly Father and I am His son. If I trust in Him and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ and seek His help and direction He will help me through the worldly destructive land mines of sin and lead me to accomplish my earthly mission and be prepared to return to His presence. The good news of the gospel is not the promise of a life free of sorrow and tribulation but a life full of purpose and meaning—a life where our sorrows and afflictions can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ
“For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet but is nigh at hand.” (Doctrine and Covenants 58: 4)