“Highly Favored of the Lord (excerpts),” New Era, November 2020, 28–29.
Highly Favored of the Lord (excerpts)
I have observed others face deep disappointment … brought on by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. …
… Many, many of you have dealt with heartbreaking disappointment, sorrow, and discouragement. So how do we heal, endure, and move forward when things seem so broken? …
… Times of affliction and disappointment do not change the watchful eye of the Lord as He favorably looks upon us, blessing us. …
We … can draw parallels as individual members and as a church in the way in which we have been highly favored of the Lord during the challenging times we have encountered the past several months. As I cite these examples, let them also strengthen your testimony of the seership of our living prophet, who prepared us with adjustments before any hint of a pandemic, enabling us to endure the challenges that have come. …
First, becoming more home centered and Church supported. …
A second example … is … ministering in a higher and holier way. …
A final example … is finding heightened joy in the return of temple ordinances. …
Brothers and sisters, I believe that one day, each of you will look back at the canceled events, the sadness, the disappointments, and the loneliness attendant to the challenging times we are passing through to see them overshadowed by choice blessings and increased faith and testimonies. I believe that in this life, and in the life to come, your afflictions … will be consecrated for your gain.