March 22, 2018

Trust God and Move Forward

Young adults today don’t have to look beyond the steady stream of current events on social media to harbor serious concerns about the future. But contrary to the disheartening news in the world, the Savior reassures those who trust in Him, “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36). This month, remind your students that as they live the gospel of Jesus Christ, they can look forward to the future and live their lives with hope.

In the recent Young Single Adult Face to Face with Elder Oaks and Elder BallardPresident Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency spoke about choosing a spouse and moving forward with faith. In his remarks, he referred to a BYU devotional by Elder BruceR. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles about striking a balance between agency and inspiration when it comes to making the tough decisions about marriage, career, and so forth. Elder McConkie counseled that three important factors will help us look forward with hope to the future when making tough decisions.

  1. Exercise agency wisely. “W[must] do everything in our power to accomplish the goal that we seek,” Elder McConkie saidWe use the agency with which we have been endowed. We use every faculty and capacity and ability that we possess to bring about the eventuality that may be involved (“Agency or Inspiration—Which?” [Brigham Young University devotional, Feb. 27, 1973], 3, speeches.byu.edu).

  2. Make educated decisions. Because we have the gift of agency, the Lord expects us to make decisions and then move forward with faith.

  3. Counsel with the Lord. After exercising agency and making a decision, Elder McConkie taught: You talk it over. You say, This is what I think; what do you think?’ And if you get the calm, sweet surety that comes only from the Holy Spirit, you know you’ve reached the right conclusion; but if there’s anxiety and uncertainty in your heart, then you’d better start over, because the Lord’s hand is not in it, and you’re not getting the ratifying seal that, as a member of the Church who has the gift of the Holy Ghost, you are entitled to receive (“Agency or Inspiration—Which?” 6).

As you share these principles with your students, help them understand that when we do what God asks, we will be guided by the Holy Spirit as we make tough life decisions.

Invite Students to Share

Invite students to share on social media how they trust in the Lord and move forward with hope in the future. As part of your discussion, remind students that moving forward with hope includes doing things like dating, pursuing educational goals, and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. They can find a shareable image about trusting God and moving forward on the LDS Institutes of Religion Facebook page. The image is also included below.

How to Share

You and your students can continue this conversation outside of class by answering the following questions in social media posts:

  • What have you done this week to move forward with hope in the future? Share a creative date idea, something new you learned, or plans for the future.

  • How does the gospel of Jesus Christ give you hope in the future?