Elder Neil L. Andersen on finding help during trials of faith

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.

"The Apostle Paul said, 'Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.' (Ephesians 2:19.) It is within the sanctuary of the Church that we protect our faith. Meeting together with others who believe, we pray and find answers to our prayers; we worship through music, share testimony of the Savior, serve one another, and feel the Spirit of the Lord. We partake of the sacrament, receive the blessings of the priesthood, and attend the temple. The Lord declared, 'In the ordinances..., the power of godliness is manifest.' (D&C 84:20.) When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God. There is always a place for you here. No trial is so large we can’t overcome it together. (See Mosiah 18:8-10)"

- Neil L. Andersen, "Trial of Your Faith," General Conference, October 2012
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Too often, when we struggle with challenges or trials, and especially with a "trial of faith" that makes us question or doubt our foundational principles, our tendency is to retreat from the safety. It's not unusual to question or doubt; but how we respond to those times becomes very critical. There will always be opposition, including in the presentation of doctrine, history, interpretation, and application. But when we stop listening to one side of the debate and only focus on the side that would have us question or criticize, we will be in far greater danger.

This is critical: "It is within the sanctuary of the Church that we protect our faith." We are blessed when we stay close to home.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on trusting God when opposition occurs

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Opposition turns up almost any place something good has happened. It can happen when you are trying to get an education. It can hit you after your first month in your new mission field. It certainly happens in matters of love and marriage. It can occur in situations related to your family, Church callings, or career.

"With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don’t give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. 'Cast not away therefore your confidence' (Hebrews 10:35). Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Cast Not Away  Therefore Your Confidence," BYU Devotional address March 2, 1999; reprinted in Ensign, March 2000
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Click here to read or listen to the original BYU devotional address

This address was originally given to students at BYU. Elder Holland addressed many of the concerns and worries of that time of life. But the counsel applies to many of us at all stages of life; we can encounter very similar situations and challenges.

We all encounter opposition to the good things we choose to do in life. The adversary works to discourage us, to distort our vision, to confuse our goals and priorities. Elder Holland cautions us to be aware of temptations that can distract us from the choices and commitments we have made:

We too often second-guess ourselves, including in matters of supreme importance. Elder Holland reminds us to trust our initial spiritual promptings; once we have received a witness, we must cling to that knowledge and move forward in its light. Blessings come as we trust ourselves. "Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)