Follow the Prophets

10 hopeful quotes from Elder Uchtdorf’s message to YSAs

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Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf and his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, gesture to attendees before the Utah Area YSA Conference devotional in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.
Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.

Last weekend, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a heartfelt and hopeful message to nearly 13,500 young single adults gathered in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Here is his advice on overcoming fears and making Jesus Christ the center of their lives.

If you have any fear about your future, I testify to you that there is a sure way to overcome these fears and be together in Christ.

I keep [my temple recommend and a pocket-sized version of “For the Strength of Youth”] close to my heart. They are reminders of sacred covenants, divine promises and the Savior’s path to happiness in this life, and a safe return to our Heavenly Father.

We could have titled it “For the Strength of You.” It is for you! It is for me. It is for everyone. Jesus Christ is the strength of youth. He is the strength of young adults—He is the strength of all of us. As you’ve already discovered, your need for the Savior’s strength does not suddenly cease when you turn 18. If anything, you need Him more as life gets more complicated and your responsibilities increase.

Make [“For the Strength of Youth”] a regular part of your gospel study. Use it as it was intended—to point you to Jesus Christ, to keep Him and His doctrine at the center of your life.

I invite you to take charge of your own use of media. If you put Jesus Christ in the center of your frame, I promise that you will see everything else more clearly.

My dear friends, you don’t have to fear the future. Jesus Christ is your strength. He is the way. You are strong when you are together in Christ.

[Jesus Christ] knows your true identity. He knows the desires of your heart and your eternal potential.

No matter what happens, you have the freedom to choose whom you will trust. In Jesus Christ, you have a perfect, trustworthy pilot for your life.

It is my earnest prayer, my profound desire, that your heart and mind will be filled with joyful hope and your soul will overflow with faith in Jesus Christ.

You were created to fly with the eagles and to reach celestial heights. You are a beloved child of Almighty God. You were made to soar.

You can read more about the Elder and Sister Uchtdorf’s devotional message on Church News and watch a recap in the player below.


For more quotes and beautiful insights from Elder Uchtdorf, check out the articles linked below.

► 5 powerful one-liners from Elder Uchtdorf’s latest ‘aviation’ talk to make your spirit soar
► Elder Uchtdorf’s 3 simple steps to experience higher joy (+ a comforting reminder for when you’re struggling)
► Praying for more love and unity in the world? Elder Uchtdorf's recent post may be just what you need to hear

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