Robert D. Hales on the Lord's help in our trials and temptations

Elder Robert D. Hales (b. August 24, 1932) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"One of the purposes of the scriptures is to show us how righteous people respond to temptation and evil. In short, they avoid it! Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife (see Genesis 39). Lehi took his family and left Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi 2). Mary and Joseph fled into Egypt to escape Herod’s wicked plot (see Matthew 2). In every instance, Heavenly Father warned these believers.

"Similarly, He will help us know whether to fight, flee, or go with the flow of our unfolding circumstances. He will speak to us through prayer, and when we pray, we will have the Holy Ghost, who will guide us. We have the scriptures, the teachings of living prophets, patriarchal blessings, the counsel of inspired parents, priesthood and auxiliary leaders, and, above all, the still, small voice of the Spirit.

"The Lord will always keep His promise: 'I will lead you along' (D&C 78:18). The only question is, will we let ourselves be led? Will we hear His voice and the voice of His servants?

"I testify that if you are there for the Lord, He will be there for you (see D&C 88:63). If you love Him and keep His commandments, you will have His Spirit to be with you and guide you. 'Put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good.... By this shall you know, all things... pertaining unto things of righteousness' (D&C 11:12, 14)."

- Robert D. Hales, "Meeting the Challenges of Today's World," Ensign, November 2015, pp. 44-47
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Elder Hales teaches us to ponder how we respond to temptation and evil. Often, the most appropriate response is to "flee" — do all we can to avoid the problem. But there are times when we might be inspired to "fight" instead, confronting a circumstance. Only through proper channels of guidance and inspiration can such a decision be properly made.

But the eternally reassuring thing is that we never have to deal with challenges alone. God has promised His help and support, if we are willing to receive it.

"If you are there for the Lord, He will be there for you." That's a wonderful promise!