"Young women today will face the winds of temptation, false doctrines, and the philosophies of men. But our young women are daughters of God and they have a work to do," Sister McMonkie says.
President Thomas S. Monson taught, “We cannot know what faith is if we have never had it, and we cannot obtain it as long as we deny it. Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other” (“Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith,” Ensign, Mar. 2009, 6). When questions and doubts do arise, we exercise faith to cast them out of our minds. In a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord said, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36). Instead of being consumed by doubt and fear, we go directly to the source of truth, light, and knowledge.
Parents and leaders of young women can help them follow the example of young Joseph Smith. As they consistently study, pray, and humbly obey, they may receive divine wisdom and understanding that comes by the Spirit of God.
Study
In the midst of a “war of words and tumult of opinions” about religion, Joseph Smith turned to the scriptures. After reading James 1:5, he said: “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again” (Joseph Smith—History 1:12). Joseph searched the word of God and was blessed with a life-changing spiritual experience. When young women search the word of God, they plant that seed into their hearts. By the Spirit, the word begins to grow, to enlarge the soul, to enlighten the understanding. We can encourage them to nourish the word, to ponder and pray, that with patience and diligence, “it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life” (see Alma 32:27–42).