Elder Uchtdorf promises a ‘glorious future’ is ahead; Elder Gong reminds us of peace found in the scriptures

Editor's note: "This week from the pulpit" highlights recent messages by General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church.

Though late in the calendar year, September is inextricably linked with change as summer begins to make way for fall. As we experience this shifting of seasons, Church leaders have reminded us of our ever constant Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Through Him, we can find the strength and peace we need to move forward with faith.

Whatever lies ahead for you in the coming months, it is our hope that these messages inspire you to stay riveted to Jesus Christ through seeking His peace, hearkening to His words, and sharing His light.

In a Zoom call with educators from BYU–Hawaii, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon offered this inspired counsel regarding remote learning: “First, focus on our Savior Jesus Christ and seek to strengthen your students’ faith and belief in Him. Second, increase their sense of belonging as a cherished and contributing member of the family of God.”

In this meeting, she also discussed the importance of pointing to Christ wherever possible. She testified of the beauty of the creation, as well as the delight that comes when we actively participate in a creative process. Read the full article at Church News.

While addressing Australian missionaries, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles sharedthis counsel that applies to all of us: “I bear testimony that you will be sustained, that you can do this. You will look back in a similar way to how Alma, Amulek, Joseph Smith, and Paul looked back. You will be able to look back and know that you did it, and that the Lord consecrated your efforts for your gain. You will be sustained, and these perilous times will be a blessing in your lives.” Read the full article from Newsroom (Pacific).

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In a recent post on Facebook, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles likewise reminded us that “living the gospel of Jesus Christ in uncertain times brings hope, peace, and confidence in our daily lives. We can trust in God’s plan for us and know that there is a glorious future ahead.”

On Facebook, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified that scripture study invites peace in the midst of commotion. In his words, “I am grateful for the inspiration, guidance, peace, and pattern of revelation we find in the scriptures. The Lord comforts and inspires me as I immerse myself in the scriptures, and I know He will also comfort and inspire you. He encircles us eternally ‘in the arms of his love’ (2 Nephi 1:15).”

In a similar Facebook post, Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, offered this encouragement and more: “This pandemic will end—they always do. We have a choice in how we will respond now and in the future, once restrictions have been lifted. I like to ask people what changes in their lives they would like to keep once we have come through this—I hope there are some things in my life that are forever different because of COVID-19! (Maybe you will take more walks outside, eat at home more, or spend more time in scripture study.)”

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Elder David A. Bednar shared an inspiring post on Facebook about divine patterns. In this post, he said, “A pattern is a guide or a model. Vital spiritual patterns are evident in the life of the Savior, in the scriptures, and in the teachings of living prophets and apostles. These spiritual patterns are sources of direction and protection for us and are essential in avoiding the deception that is so pervasive in our world today.

“A powerful pattern the Lord uses to advance His work and to tutor Heavenly Father’s children upon the earth is ‘by small and simple things are great things brought to pass’ (Alma 37:6).”

As we follow patterns set by Jesus Christ and find His peace, we will naturally want to share the gospel with others. The ways in which we share the light of the restored gospel are both countless and invaluable.

It is important to remember that we don’t need to be full-time missionaries to share the gospel. Sister Becky Craven, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, highlights the power of righteous examples in a recent post on Facebook about young women in Guatemala: “They realized how much their temple inspires them to be more like Jesus. And when they stand out in school or wherever they are in their city, they may inspire others to be like Jesus Christ. They said to me, ‘We want to be a light the way the temple is a light to us.’”

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Certainly, we can all learn from the example of 10-year-old Jessica. “Socially, I’ve set a goal to make new friends and share the gospel with them. What I did is I always put the Friend magazine in my school bag,” she said. Sister Lisa L. Harkness, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, shared Jessica’s story in a recent Facebook post and video.

President Jean B. Bingham

Sister Reyna I. Aburto

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Lead image: Photos from Facebook.