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Finding Strength and Inspiration in the Liahona Magazine
The first Sunday of the new year had finally arrived, and with it a sense of renewal and rejuvenation filled the air. The warm sunshine of January 5, 2025, cast a golden glow over the city of Benin, Nigeria, as the members of the Ugbor Second Ward, Ikpokpan Stake, gathered for their weekly Sabbath meetings. The atmosphere was alive with the spirit of worship and gratitude as the Saints rejoiced in the opportunity to start anew, with hearts full of hope and faith. As the Church meetings came to a close, a beautiful scene unfolded, one that would leave a lasting impression on my heart.
It was on this Sabbath day that I had the opportunity to observe two brothers, Philip and Macaulay, who were also returned missionaries, engaged in a fascinating activity. They were sitting together, deeply engrossed in reading the December 2024 edition of the Liahona magazine.
As they turned the pages, they would occasionally look up at each other, sharing stories and experiences that caught their attention. Their faces lit up with excitement, and their eyes sparkled with hope. It was clear that the Liahona magazine was more than just a publication to them; it was a source of inspiration, guidance, and strength.
The Liahona magazine is a unique publication that sets itself apart from other commercial magazines. Its content is carefully curated to feature inspiring stories of leaders of faith, as well as personal experiences and cultural highlights from around the world. The magazine has consistently showcased the importance of culture, languages, and family relationships, demonstrating how these aspects of our lives can bring us closer to our Heavenly Father.
As Brother Philip and Brother Macaulay delved into the magazine, they were struck by the diverse range of stories and experiences shared by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They read about the challenges faced by Saints in different parts of the world and how they overcame them through faith and perseverance. They learned about the rich cultural heritage of various nations and how it has shaped the lives of Church members.
The brothers were particularly inspired by the stories of Church history, which highlighted the sacrifices and struggles of early church members. They marveled at the courage and conviction of pioneers who paved the way for the Church’s growth and expansion. These stories reminded them of the importance of staying true to their faith, even in the face of adversity.
As they read on, they came across personal experiences of members who had faced difficult challenges, such as illness, loss, or persecution. However, instead of being discouraged, these individuals had found strength in their faith and had emerged stronger and more resilient. The brothers were touched by these testimonies, which reminded them that they were not alone in their own struggles.
The Liahona magazine had become a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for Brother Philip and Brother Macaulay. They looked forward to each new edition, eager to learn from the experiences of others and to gain a deeper understanding of the gospel. As they read, they felt their faith grow, and their love for the Savior and His Church deepened.
Their excitement was palpable as they shared stories and insights with each other. They would often exclaim, “Did you read this?” or “Look at this incredible story!” Their enthusiasm was contagious, and soon others around them began to take notice of the magazine’s impact.
As we strive to deepen our understanding of the gospel and to strengthen our faith, I encourage you to make the Liahona magazine a part of your regular study routine, just as you would with the scriptures. Let us learn from the experiences of others, and let us find inspiration in the stories of those who have come before us. As we do so, we will find that our faith will grow, and our love for the Savior and His Church will deepen.
Let us make a conscious effort to study the Liahona magazine, learn from its pages, and apply its teachings in our lives. As we do so, we will find that we will be strengthened, inspired, and motivated to become better disciples of Jesus Christ.
You can access the Liahona in the Gospel Library app under Library > Magazines. The Church also provides printed copies at no charge. You can subscribe at MagazineSubscriptions.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.