Help and Guidance for Your Future
Life doesn’t always follow your plans, but relying on the Lord will change your life for the better.
Sometimes it can seem like the world is full of uncertainty. You may be wondering what is in store for your future. I felt the same way.
My parents and I joined the Church when I was 16 years old. At that time, I was very shy. After joining the Church, I gained confidence. I learned about who I am, where I’m from, why I’m here, and where I’m going after this life.
I realized then that even though I didn’t know in detail what kinds of things I would do in my life, there was help and guidance to lead me to a great future.
The same is true for you!
Guidance from the Prophet
I was 17 years old when the prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), visited South Korea in 1975. I saw him in a meeting where around 400 Korean youth gathered to hear his voice.
President Kimball shared how he had studied the scriptures and prayed every day since he was young. He talked about the importance of setting priorities. He said we should attend seminary, prepare for missions and eternal marriage, and work toward salvation. He also bore his testimony.
The prophet’s words enlightened my thinking. I was in high school, but I was not interested in schoolwork. I loved sports! I played soccer whenever I had the chance and often played instead of studying. I was not a good student. After hearing the prophet, I still enjoyed soccer, but I decided to set some priorities.
I would do my best to study. I would serve a mission, be sealed in the temple, and have a happy family. I knew that if I was to have this great future, I would need to follow the prophet—no matter what.
With all the opportunities and challenges you will face, you will be OK as you follow the guidance that living prophets provide.
An Uncertain Mission
I had made the commitment to serve a mission, but there is also mandatory military service in South Korea. After high school, many young men entered the military, fulfilled their mandatory service, and immediately pursued an education and found jobs. It was difficult to give another two years to missionary service. There were only a few Korean elders then.
When I turned 19, I kept my commitment and prepared and sent in my mission papers. I was called to serve in the Korea Busan Mission. One year later, I was drafted into the military. I was so sad that I had to stop my mission.
When I completed my military service three years later, I felt that I had not yet completed my mission. Everyone told me, “You already served a mission. The Lord understands your situation, so serving for only one year is OK.”
I asked my good friend from seminary what I should do. She said that she knew I would serve another year of my mission. Her trust gave me confidence and confirmation to serve more. I served the second year of my mission in the Korea Seoul Mission. By the time I finished, I was 25 years old. I later married that same friend and we were sealed in the Laie Hawaii Temple.
This experience taught me that you will be all right even when things do not happen the way you had designed. When your plans and vision fit with the Lord’s will for you, He will help you in your life decisions.
A Great Future Is Possible
Even though I was not sure as a youth what kind of life I would have, I found that putting spiritual things first is the key for success—not just in this life, but also in the life to come.
When you were baptized, you received the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you focus on the promptings you receive, the Holy Ghost will protect you and guide you in the right way to go. You will also feel comfort and peace.
As you prepare for your future, remember to:
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Study the scriptures.
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Continue to pray.
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Follow the prophet.
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Always rely on the Lord.
When I was your age, I learned about the Savior’s characteristics and attributes and how I could be more like Him. He is perfect. I cannot fully be like Him in this life, but I am trying my best, and I have become better in doing so.
I know that Jesus Christ lives. Because of Him, I have a great hope for the future—and you can too!