I can not describe accurately the strength I have gained from this simple address given over a decade ago by an apostle of the Lord. Every time I listen to it I feel power emanating from the speakers in my car (I often listen to talks by LDS general authorities on my way to and from work). Elder Jeffrey R Holland has such a feeling of love and concern in his voice that it is impossible for me not to be drawn in when he speaks.
The main message of the speech is "once there has been genuine illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts."
"'Fear ye not.' And when the second and the third and the fourth blows come, 'fear ye not. . . . The Lord shall fight for you.' 'Cast not away therefore your confidence.'"
I cannot tell you how many times these past several months I have found peace and confidence in these words. It is so hard with the way the world is today to cling fast to the truths God gives us. I find myself drifting from his guidance and reaching for science far too often. I struggle greatly with the seemingly irreconcilable differences of science and religion--not with the great ones like God and the Church, but the little things that pretty much apply to only me and those around me.
It is the message of this talk--that God will fight for us, that we shouldn't retreat, that if it was right then it is right now--that has reminded me to push through the doubts and fears and cling fast to the revelations that are given. He loves us. He has given us the Holy Ghost to guide and direct us to our salvation. He has given the priesthood to men on earth to bless the lives of all who will have faith. He has given us revelation and all things for our good.
I know that God watches over me and my family. He loves us and is guiding us always and if we will just listen to him he will take us to ever greater and more majestic spiritual heights. I know it is true and am grateful to be a part of his plan. I love this work. May God bless all of you to find the strength to carry on through your trials. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
The full text of this talk can be found on this link http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=795&tid=2 Listen to it. I promise it will enlighten you.
1 comment:
Elder Holland is without a doubt the most powerful deliverer of testimony. He stands as a true witness. I can not imagine him ever wavering on his commitment and dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Love that guy! His talks have inspired me so much in the last year and literally lifted me up from my burdens. Truly an inspired man.
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