President Russell M. Nelson on challenges to faithfulness, and promises that will follow

President Russell M. Nelson (b. 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, and was serving in that quorum when he shared this message. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015, and then as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"My dear brothers and sisters, with all the pleadings of my heart, I urge you to get on the covenant path and stay there. Experience the joy of repenting daily. Learn about God and how He works. Seek and expect miracles. Strive to end conflict in your life.

"As you act on these pursuits, I promise you the ability to move forward on the covenant path with increased momentum, despite whatever obstacles you face. And I promise you greater strength to resist temptation, more peace of mind, freedom from fear, and greater unity in your families.

"God lives! Jesus is the Christ! He lives! He loves us and will help us. Of this I testify in the sacred name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen.

- Russell M. Nelson, "The Power of Spiritual Momentum," General Conference April 2022, Sunday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full address

In this powerful, landmark address during the recent conference, President Nelson offered five specific challenges to members of the Church. He summarized those challenges in this closing section, where he urged us "with all the pleadings of [his] heart" - what a powerful message!

 Those were his wonderful invitations:

1. Get on the covenant path and stay there
2. Repent daily
3. Learn about God
4. Seek and expect miracles
5. Strive to end conflict

It's always thrilling when a prophet not only gives you challenges, but follows them with promises of what will result.

1. The ability to move forward with increased momentum, in spite of obstacles
2. Greater strength to resist temptation
3. More peace of mind
4. Freedom from fear
5. Greater unity in families

How can we wait to follow through on his challenges!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on understanding miracles from God

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (born February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Miracles, signs, and wonders abound among followers of Jesus Christ today, in your lives and in mine. Miracles are divine acts, manifestations and expressions of God’s limitless power, and an affirmation that He is 'the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Moroni 10:19). Jesus Christ, who created the seas, can calm them; He who gave sight to the blind can lift our sights to heaven; He who cleansed the lepers can mend our infirmities; He who healed the impotent man can call for us to rise up with 'Come, follow me' (Luke 18:22).

"Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God. Some suggest that miracles are simply coincidences or sheer luck. But the prophet Nephi condemned those who would 'put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain' (2 Ne 26:20).

"Miracles are wrought by divine power by Him who is 'mighty to save' (D&C 133:47). Miracles are extensions of God’s eternal plan; miracles are a lifeline from heaven to earth."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Behold! I Am a God of Miracles," General Conference April 2021 Sunday afternoon

It's good to be reminded that we live in a time of "miracles, signs, and wonders" that always accompany true followers of Jesus Christ. Understanding the nature of miracles will help us see them more frequently in our lives. Elder Rasband offered a wonderful review and reminder.

It is quite easy to "dismiss" miracles or overlook them entirely if we are not spiritually attentive. We can "explain away" the influence of God, and many in the world strive to do this. We can also overlook His hand in our lives; Elder Rasband warns that most of us "have witnessed miracles, more than you realize." I think God is displeased when we fail to acknowledge His influence! Truly, we should learn to recognize it, and to amplify its presence in our daily lives.

 

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

Elder Gerrit W. Gong on following the Savior's example of compassion and kindness

Elder Gerrit W. Gong (born December 23, 1953) was called as a Seventy in April 2010, then to the Presidency of the Seventy in October 2015. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in April 2018.

"Many of our Savior’s miracles begin with His understanding and compassion. He knows our hearts and circumstances. He is filled with compassion for our hopes and our hurts, our desires and our needs....

"Through His ministry our Savior is moved by compassion—compassion for the leper (Mark 1:41), compassion for the man’s son possessed with a foul spirit (Mark 9:22), compassion for a widowed mother whose only son has died (Luke 7:13). Our Savior teaches us to be like the good Samaritan who had compassion on the man wounded and left for dead (Luke 10:33).

"Likewise, the father of the prodigal son had compassion and ran to his son when his son 'was yet a great way off' (Luke 15:20). Interestingly, speaking of bread, when the prodigal son 'came to himself,' his realization is 'How many hired servants of my father have bread enough and to spare' (Luke 15:17).

"Our Savior begins with compassion. He concludes with gracious kindness.

"The gospel accounts say that after Jesus fed the multitude, He 'sent them away.' But the footnote in Mark clarifies. Instead of He 'sent them away,' the footnote says He 'bid the people farewell' (Mark 6:45; see Mark 6:46, footnote a). Can’t you hear Jesus compassionately bidding the people farewell as they leave after He has fed them?"

- Gerrit W. Gong, "And Jesus Said unto Them: I Am the Bread of Life," address to CES Religious Educators, Feb. 17, 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There is so much to be learned by studying the attributes and personality of the Savior. Elder Gong focuses on His understanding, compassion, and gracious kindness. As our hearts are filled with compassion, our very lives are changed and our behavior is deeply influenced.

Compassion results in gracious kindness. How desperately we need those gifts in our world today!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Richard G. Scott on the power of loving service to others

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"I will share one principle of truth which, if applied, can open the door to all the others you need to lift your spirit. It is a principle that will give you the power to make a difference in the quality of your own life.

"I speak of service—self-sacrificing service to others in need. I know it is hard to help another when you feel you have been wronged. I know it is difficult to take the first step when your own heart aches for companionship or yearns for understanding. Yet such acts of service open to us the mercy and love of Jesus Christ, the Master.

"Free agency is a divine gift, and God will not override it. Because of free agency, we must take the first step. Our initial acts of kindness or service to others provide us with channels of inspiration and power. In contrast, darkness and despair close in when the light of love and service dims or goes out within us. Feelings of bitterness and dissatisfaction feed upon themselves and give place to thoughts and acts of unkindness, criticism, and eventually even hatred....

"I am convinced that when we give unconditional love; when our interest is first in serving, building, edifying, strengthening without thought of self; when we do not expect an automatic return for each act of kindness, generosity, or sincere effort to help; when we are not concerned about what we will receive or what others will say or whether our own burdens will be diminished, but selflessly seek to build another, the miracle of the power of the gospel is released in our lives. When we permit the Lord to work through us to bless others, that sacred experience releases power in our own lives, and miracles occur."

- Richard G. Scott, "The Power to Make a Difference," General Conference October 1983
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Scott shared these thoughts in the context of repairing damaged relationships, such as what can occur between married couples. But the principle applies to all of us. It's a principle, as Elder Scott states, that can dramatically improve the quality of our own life as it lifts our spirit, to be engaged in unselfish and Christlike service to those around us.

Some of the keys to the kind of service Elder Scott is encouraging:

• It is "self-sacrificing"—requires some effort and contribution on our part, not just doing something that is easy and convenient
• It is unconditional and not self-serving, not done with the expectation of what we might receive in return
• It is acting as an agent for the Lord, permitting Him to "work through us to bless others"

The critical nature of our agency in choosing how we will act and respond is manifest in this principle. Elder Scott teaches that "Because of free agency, we must take the first step." Then the help and blessings of heaven will flow.

This is the essence of Christian discipleship. It is the key to receiving "the miracle of the power of the gospel" in our lives. It is a lesson that we must learn and a principle that we must express in our lives to be truly happy.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Neil L. Andersen on the timing of miracles

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"Miracles are not always so immediate. At times we thoughtfully wonder why the miracle we have so earnestly prayed for does not happen here and now. But as we trust in the Savior, promised miracles will occur. Whether in this life or the next, all will be made right. The Savior declares: 'Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid' (John 14:27). 'In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world' (John 13:33).

"I testify that as you love Him, trust Him, believe Him, and follow Him, you will feel His love and approval. As you ask, 'What thinks Christ of me?' you will know that you are His disciple; you are His friend. By His grace He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself."

- Neil L. Andersen, "What Thinks Christ of Me?," General Conference April 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Sometimes we see miracles happen that seem truly astonishing; at times they seem the most natural and expected thing we could envision. But sometimes miracles don't occur when we expect them, when we think we have faith to have them happen. Elder Andersen assures us that the promised miracles will occur as we have faith:

The key, according to Elder Andersen, is to "love Him, trust Him, believe Him, and follow Him"—then we "will feel His love and approval" and be blessed by His grace. The sweet assurance of a faithful disciple, knowing of the Lord's love for him, is a blessing that cannot be matched.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Boyd K. Packer on gradual miracles

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"Some of us think a miracle is a miracle only if it happens instantly, but miracles can grow slowly. And patience and faith can compel things to happen that otherwise never would have come to pass....

"So begin where you are, in the home, and have patience, whether it takes a little while, or a long while, or nearly an eternity. There is a meaningful scripture in the book of Ether: '...dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.' (Ether 12:6.)

"Building a heaven in your home will do much to make these miracles."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Begin Where You Are—At Home", Ensign, February 1972, pp. 69-74
Click here to read the full talk

It's not unusual to have a desire, either expressed or "secret," for the dramatic, compelling, dramatic kinds of miracles that defy explanation and astonish all who learn of them. President Packer pointed out the more common alternative—miracles that happen slowly and gradually, but where the cumulative impact is just as astonishing, if we recognize it.

Perhaps a worthwhile exercise would be to evaluate our lives and consider what examples we can find of that kind of miracle. As we look back and see transformations that have occurred, or events that have unfolded in subtle ways, or people who have influenced us in good directions, or small changes that have had unexpected consequences—we should learn to acknowledge God's hand—and thank Him for the blessings of gradual miracles.

President Packer suggests that some of the greatest miracles occur when we strive to build "a heaven in your home" and then observe the gradual miracles that result in that setting. As Joseph Smith was taught, "...out of small things proceedeth that which is great." (D&C 64:33.)