Jeffrey R. Holland on developing personal reservoirs of faith

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (b. 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.

"And so I issue a call for the conviction we all must have burning in our hearts that this is the work of God and that it requires the best we can give to the effort. My appeal is that you nurture your own physical and spiritual strength so that you have a deep reservoir of faith to call upon when tasks or challenges or demands of one kind or another come. Pray a little more, study a little more, shut out the noise and shut down the clamor, enjoy nature, call down personal revelation, search your soul, and search the heavens for the testimony that led our pioneer parents. Then, when you need to reach down inside a little deeper and a little farther to face life and do your work, you will be sure there is something down there to call upon.

"When you have your own faith, you are prepared to bless your family. The single strongest indicator of activity and service, of devotion and loyalty in this Church continues to be the presence of strong family ties. I say that, knowing full well that part of the majesty of this Church is in the individual member. Sometimes that member is a new convert; sometimes that member is the only Latter-day Saint in the family. Some individual somewhere had to plant the flag of faith and start a new generation in the gospel. But the fact is that faith is better nurtured and more protected and longer lasting when there is an entire family to reinforce it. So after standing alone if you have to, work diligently to see that others in your family don’t stand alone. Build your family and see that faith is strong there....

"We must have faith in this work—faith in what all believers are called to do, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in our Father in Heaven. We need to conform our will to Theirs and then make that will rock-ribbed and pioneer strong indeed. If we do that, I know we will be safe and secure in the inexorable onward movement of the Church and kingdom of God on earth."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Faith to Answer the Call," regional stake conference broadcast at BYU, September 12, 2010; see Ensign, July 2011, p. 54
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In this beautiful pioneer-themed sermon, Elder Holland shared some of my favorite stories about the challenges faced by early pioneers—not necessarily in crossing the plains, but also in the settlement of the west.  These include the stories of the Hole-In-The-Rock pioneers and the faith of young Elizabethe Claridge McCune. They are marvelous examples of the love, loyalty, and firm dedication these early Saints had for the faith they had embraced.

Elder Holland then turns the challenge to us. We too have wastelands in our lives to be pioneered, including those deep inside our personal souls. The ability to do this starts with our having a deep "reservoir of faith" from which we can draw in times of need:

The list of suggestions in this excerpt is wonderful: pray more, study more, focus more, enjoy nature, seek revelation, cleanse your soul.

With that reservoir established, and our faith is "rock-ribbed and pioneer strong," we are then prepared to bless those around us, starting with our own families. We can truly carry on the faithful mission started by those previous generations and continue to bless the lives of those near to us, and through them, the whole world.

Robert D. Hales on the promises of faithful parenting

Elder Robert D. Hales (1932- ) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"As Paul prophesied, we live in 'perilous times' (2 Tim. 3:1). 'Satan [has been going] about, leading away the hearts of the people' (3 Ne. 2:3), and his influence is increasing. But no matter how evil the world becomes, our families can be at peace. If we do what's right, we will be guided and protected.

"The hymn often sung by our pioneer ancestors tells us what to do: 'Gird up your loins; fresh courage take. / Our God will never us forsake' (Hymns No. 30). That courage and faith is what we need as parents and families in these latter days.

"Father Lehi had such courage. He loved his family and rejoiced that some of his children kept the Lord's commandments. But he must have been heartbroken when his sons 'Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit' representing the love of God. 'He exceedingly feared for [them]; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord' (1 Ne. 8:35-36).

"Every parent faces moments of such fear. However, when we exercise our faith by teaching our children and doing what we can to help them, our fears will diminish. Lehi girded up his loins, and with faith 'he did exhort [his children] with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them.' And 'he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord' (1 Ne. 8:37-38).

"We too must have the faith to teach our children and bid them to keep the commandments. We should not let their choices weaken our faith. Our worthiness will not be measured according to their righteousness. Lehi did not lose the blessing of feasting at the tree of life because Laman and Lemuel refused to partake of its fruit. Sometimes as parents we feel we have failed when our children make mistakes or stray. Parents are never failures when they do their best to love, teach, pray, and care for their children. Their faith, prayers, and efforts will be consecrated to the good of their children."

- Robert D. Hales, "With All the Feeling of a Tender Parent: A Message of Hope to Families," Ensign, May 2004, pp. 88-91
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Parenting brings challenges and blessings; sometimes those challenges, particularly in the "perilous times" of today, are overwhelming. It requires faith and courage similar to our "pioneer ancestors" who confronted different kinds of trials in their day. Even so, there are often disappointments and even heartbreaks along the way, as many including "Father Lehi" could witness.

Elder Hales encourages parents to "exercise our faith" in order to overcome fears. We do that by teaching and helping in any way we can, and setting the example of faith and obedience.

This final thought was insightful; a parent's righteous efforts to love and teach a child will eventually be "consecrated for the good of their children." In other words, ultimately and eventually, the child will be blessed by the righteousness of the parent. That's a very reassuring promise.

M. Russell Ballard on the challenges in life's journey

Elder M. Russell Ballard (1928- ) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"Our faith can help us be equally bold and fearless during the course of our respective journeys, whether we are parents working with a troubled child, a single parent trying to raise a worthy family, young people struggling to find a place in a wicked and confusing world, or a single person trying to make the journey through life alone. No matter how difficult the trail, and regardless of how heavy our load, we can take comfort in knowing that others before us have borne life’s most grievous trials and tragedies by looking to heaven for peace, comfort, and hopeful assurance. We can know as they knew that God is our Father, that He cares about us individually and collectively, and that as long as we continue to exercise our faith and trust in Him there is nothing to fear in the journey. Like the pioneers of 1847 who ventured west along a trail that kept them relatively close to life-sustaining fresh water from rivers, particularly the Platte and the Sweetwater, we need to follow and partake of the Living Water of Christ to refresh our faith and sustain our efforts as we travel the road through mortality.

"Life isn't always easy. At some point in our journey we may feel much as the pioneers did as they crossed Iowa—up to our knees in mud, forced to bury some of our dreams along the way. We all face rocky ridges, with the wind in our face and winter coming on too soon. Sometimes it seems as though there is no end to the dust that stings our eyes and clouds our vision. Sharp edges of despair and discouragement jut out of the terrain to slow our passage. Always, there is a Devil's Gate, which will swing wide open to lure us in. Those who are wise and faithful will steer a course as far from such temptation as possible, while others—sometimes those who are nearest and dearest to us—succumb to the attraction of ease, comfort, convenience, and rest. Occasionally we reach the top of one summit in life, as the pioneers did, only to see more mountain peaks ahead, higher and more challenging than the one we have just traversed. Tapping unseen reservoirs of faith and endurance, we, as did our forebears, inch ever forward toward that day when our voices can join with those of all pioneers who have endured in faith, singing: 'All is well! All is well!' (Hymns, no. 30)."

- M. Russell Ballard, "You Have Nothing to Fear from the Journey," Ensign, May 1997, pp. 59-61
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This was one of Elder Ballard's addresses during the 1997 sesquicentennial commemoration (150 years) of the pioneer legacy. He had some great counsel as he compared our challenges to those of that earlier time. We have difficult trails in life too, for a variety of reasons. But he encourages us to remember that we are not the first to have traveled challenging paths; others have survived their own journeys that included "life's more grievous trials and tragedies by looking to heaven for peace, comfort, and hopeful assurance." We have a Father who "cares about us individually and collectively" and will help to make any journey possible.

Much of the pioneer journey carefully followed rivers, such as the Platte and the Sweetwater. One key to the journey is to stay close to the source of Living Water:

Elder Ballard's symbolic comparison between the obstacles faced by the pioneers and the challenges of our lives was interesting:

• up to our knees in mud
• forced to bury some of our dreams along the way
• facing rocky ridges, with the wind in our face and winter coming on too soon
• no end to the dust that stings our eyes and clouds our vision
• sharp edges of despair and discouragement jut out of the terrain to slow our passage
• confronted by a Devil's Gate of sin or temptation
• seemingly never-ending challenges like mountain peak after mountain peak

But always and forever, we have available the ability to "[tap] unseen reservoirs of faith and endurance" in order to arrive at a blessed destination, and to be able to remember along the way, regardless of the apparent trials and setbacks, "All is well."

Dallin H. Oaks on the burdens carried by modern-day pioneers

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (b. August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"Many modern Saints do their pioneering on the frontiers of their own attitudes and emotions. The proverb says, 'He that ruleth his spirit [is better] than he that taketh a city.' (Prov. 16:32.) Modern Saints know that one who subdues his own spirit is just as much a pioneer as one who conquers a continent.

"The path of modern pioneers is not easy. Burdens carried in the heart can be just as heavy as those pulled in a handcart. And just as some early pioneers struggled for the benefit of others, so some modern pioneers carry burdens imposed by the transgressions or thoughtlessness of others....

"In our day, as in the days of earlier pioneers, those in the lead wagons set the direction and signal onward, but it is the faithful men and women in the wagons which follow that provide the momentum and motive power for this great work.

"As modern pioneers press forward, they suffer hardships and make sacrifices. But they are sustained by an assurance given by the Lord Himself. These words, first spoken to the struggling Saints in Ohio, apply also to the faithful of our day:

"'Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;

"'Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.

"'Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord.' (D&C 98:1-3.)"

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Modern Pioneers," Ensign, November 1989, pp. 64-67
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As we talk about the pioneers of early Church history, we often hear that each of us today are pioneers in our own way. Elder Oaks explains in this article some of the ways that pioneering spirit can be expressed. This paragraph was insightful to me:

"Subduing" our own attitudes and emotions can be a great challenge at times. As Elder Oaks explains, we sometimes complicate that struggle with added burdens in our hearts and souls. The gospel plan helps us learn to lessen those extra, unnecessary burdens.

The promise of D&C 98 quoted by Elder Oaks I think is one of the most beautiful in the scriptures. The promise is given to us by God "with an immutable covenant" that we'll be blessed through our afflictions; and that God's glory will be magnified in the process.

Russell M. Nelson on conquering the trials of life

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"You who may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy. Trials must be borne and grief endured along the way. As you remember that 'with God nothing shall be impossible' (Luke 1:37), know that He is your Father. You are a son or daughter created in His image, entitled through your worthiness to receive revelation to help with your righteous endeavors. You may take upon you the holy name of the Lord. You can qualify to speak in the sacred name of God (see D&C 1:20). It matters not that giants of tribulation torment you. Your prayerful access to help is just as real as when David battled his Goliath (see 1 Sam. 17).

"Foster your faith. Fuse your focus with an eye single to the glory of God. 'Be strong and courageous' (2 Chr. 32:7), and you will be given power and protection from on high. 'For I will go before your face,' the Lord declared. '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' (D&C 84:88)."

- Russell M. Nelson, "With God Nothing Shall Be Impossible," Ensign, May 1988, pp. 33-35
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One of the truths of eternity, perhaps, is "life is not meant to be easy." There will be challenges—BIG challenges, comparable to David confronting Goliath. But the corollary truth of eternity would be that we are not left alone to confront such challenges. If we do our part to prepare and be worthy, divine help will always be available in the form of "power and protection from on high."

It requires each individual to "foster your faith"—take the steps necessary to develop that trust and confidence in God and His power, through obedience and faithfulness. Then "fuse your focus" by developing "an eye single to the glory of God," having goals and priorities fixed on the things that matter most.

Those things don't happen overnight. We grow in strength, faith, power, confidence, and hope as we steadily and continually live the life that leads to Him.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the exalting, joyful aspects of enduring in faith

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1940- ) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"Enduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life's difficult circumstances or 'hanging in there.' Ours is an active religion, helping God's children along the strait and narrow path to develop their full potential during this life and return to Him one day. Viewed from this perspective, enduring to the end is exalting and glorious, not grim and gloomy. This is a joyful religion, one of hope, strength, and deliverance. 'Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy' (2 Nephi 2:25).

"Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?", Ensign Nov. 2007, pp. 18-21
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I admit to having had times in my life when I felt I was "enduring" in the most negative sense—gritting my teeth and barely hanging on, "passively tolerating" and desperately hoping for brighter days. President Uchtdorf shares a very different interpretation of the concept, and I love his description. The challenge is making it "come true" in our lives!

Perhaps the keys lie in his description, first, of a what he calls a "joyful religion." As we come to better understand the doctrines and practices of the Lord's gospel and the eternal plan of happiness, we find so many reasons for joy!

President Uchtdorf adds the insight of the necessity of the continuing process of filling our lives every day, every minute. And the process is "personal discipline following the commandments of God." As we fully, whole-heartedly apply the gospel principles in our thoughts and actions, we will discover the Lord's peace and joy.

Henry B. Eyring on God's sure promises

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"Now for the sure promises. First, if you will let your heart be drawn to the Savior and always remember Him, and if you will draw near to our Heavenly Father in prayer, you will have put on spiritual armor. You will be protected against pride because you will know that any success comes not from your human powers. And you will be protected against the thoughts which come rushing in upon us that we are too weak, too inexperienced, too unworthy to do what we are called of God to do to serve and help save His children. We can have come into our hearts the reassurance recorded in Moroni: 'And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me' (Moro. 10:23).

"There is another sure promise. It is this: Whether or not you choose to keep your covenant to always remember Him, He always remembers you. I testify that Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, was and is the Only Begotten of the Father, the Lamb of God. He chose from before the foundations of the earth to be your Savior, my Savior, and the Savior of all we will ever know or meet. I testify that He was resurrected and that because of His Atonement we may be washed clean through our faith to obey the laws and accept the ordinances of the gospel."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Always," Church Educational System fireside at BYU on 3 January 1999; see Ensign, Oct. 1999, p. 12
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When we think of "sure promises" in this kind of context, we often think of the covenant kinds of arrangements: if we do certain things, then God will do certain things. That is how President Eyring introduces the discussion of promises:

IF WE:
- Let our hearts be drawn to the Savior
- Always remember Him
- Draw near to God in prayer
THEN WE:
- Have spiritual armor
- Have protection against pride
- Have protection against feelings of inadequacy
- Have spiritual reassurance of the good to come

But in the second paragraph, President Eyring changes the tone. EVEN IF WE DON'T do our part to always remember Him, we have the assurance that He will always remember us. What a remarkable, comforting, strength-infusing promise!