Trust in the Lord

When friends and loved ones come to us with concerns about their faith, our first reaction may be anxiety or even panic. Their concerns might lead you to ask difficult questions: “What will this mean for my family?” “Did I do something wrong?”

When someone close to you questions their beliefs, this doesn’t mean you have failed them. The reasons for their concerns are probably complicated. We should do what we can to help them, but we should also trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They love those who have questions. Here are a few things you can do to maintain peace in your heart and mind as you support others:

Trust that God is aware. The Lord desires the growth and happiness of every human being. He encourages our sincere questions. He is aware of our struggles and weeps for our suffering. He will continue to extend love and assistance to people who struggle or step away from the Church.
Invite the Lord into the process. Even the best resources and the most carefully thought-out messages can be ineffective if the timing or tone is wrong. Pray that the Lord will help you minister. The Spirit can help you understand a person’s specific needs and know when to sit with and listen rather than talk to or teach. It can also help you discern how and when to share your testimony or to invite them to take steps to draw closer to God.
Adopt a longer view. A person’s faith and feelings about God often change over time. And all of us will still need to learn and grow long after we pass to the next life. You can find hope when you view your loved one’s struggles with this broader perspective. Continue to patiently plant seeds, knowing that the timing of the harvest is in God’s hands.
Find hope in your knowledge of God’s nature. Our perspective in this life is limited. We do know that God is wise, patient, and loving. He gave each of us our agency. He knew that we would all have challenges and trials. And He provided a Savior who has the power to draw us back to Him.

Key scriptures: Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 55:8–9; 2 Timothy 1:7–8; Alma 26:11–12