President Russell M. Nelson on being yoked to God

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"The Lord taught us how to increase our faith by seeking 'learning, even by study and also by faith' (D&C 88:118, emphasis added). We strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ as we strive to keep His commandments and 'always remember him' (Moroni 4:3). Further, our faith increases every time we exercise our faith in Him. That is what learning by faith means.

"For example, each time we have the faith to be obedient to God’s laws—even when popular opinions belittle us—or each time we resist entertainment or ideologies that celebrate covenant-breaking, we are exercising our faith, which in turn increases our faith....

"Of course, our ultimate security comes as we yoke ourselves to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! Life without God is a life filled with fear. Life with God is a life filled with peace. This is because spiritual blessings come to the faithful. Receiving personal revelation is one of the greatest of those blessings.

"The Lord has promised that if we will ask, we may receive 'revelation upon revelation' (D&C 42:61). I promise that as you increase your capacity to receive revelation, the Lord will bless you with increased direction for your life and with boundless gifts of the Spirit."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Embrace the Future with Faith," General Conference October 2020, Women's Session

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Nelson addressed the women of the Church in this message, praising their efforts (particularly in the time of unusual worldwide challenges) and encouraging them in looking to the future. He taught principles, and encouraged his listeners to create places of sceurity, prepare minds to be faithful to God, and to never stop preparing for future needs and challenges.

I love the thought that "our faith increases every time we exercise our faith in Him." Of course it does! Exercising a muscle, practicing a skill, developing our abilities—using something develops and enhances it. We grow in faith by exercising faith. The invitation and opportunity for all of us is to do that.

But we don't have to do it alone. We have Divine Help available to us if we avail ourselves of it.

We choose fear, or we choose faith. Aligning our lives with Him allows us to live with confidence and peace, and with divine direction.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)