from PRESIDENT RUSSELL M. NELSON

Let God Prevail

1  | Are you Suffering from Myopia? President Nelson shares the story of his granddaughter-in-law Jill as she struggled with a crisis of faith during a personal trial. He uses the word “myopic” to describe the shortsighted sorrow and questioning Jill felt. She realized that she needed to adjust to the long view, and understand that her earthly tragedy would be remedied by God’s Plan. “Myopic” means “lacking imagination or foresight, a narrow view of the short-term.” How can we work to overcome this spiritual ailment? What would happen if we were suddenly able to see a broader view of God’s Plan for our lives, for the world, and for eternity? What if we were able to understand our own divine strength and potential on this level? Speaking for myself, I think my own anxieties and trials would become trivial. We’re going to explore this more in the invitation for the week! 

2  | How our lives change when we “Let God Prevail” One statement that stood out to me was when President Nelson said, “When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. … You know how to best groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. You know what you want to accomplish. You know the kind of person you really want to become.” It struck me that my greatest desire needs to be to let God prevail. After that, everything else falls into place, right down to the clothes I wear and the media I consume.

3 | Anything Helps President Nelson said, “Anytime we do anything that helps anyone - on either side of the veil - to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.” This includes missionary, temple, and family history work, as well as demonstrating faith and testimony to those with whom we live, work, and serve. When you offer to host a playdate or bring a meal, when you send a thoughtful message or drop off a treat, when you pray privately for others, you are ministering to them through service and example. Remember, if it’s good, it’s of the Spirit, and if it’s of the Spirit, it serves God.

"The gospel net to gather scattered Israel is expansive. There is room for each person who will fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ."

PRESIDENT NELSON

"Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin." 

PRESIDENT NELSON

INVITATION:

Exercise taking the long view by examining your spiritual gifts from a heavenly perspective. 

What did Heavenly Father bless you with? How might those gifts be used to assist in gathering Israel? 

Use your imagination. Seriously, your wildest dreams. List everything - incredible, powerful, unfathomable, wonderful - that God may have blessed you with to make you a critical instrument in His Grand Plan, even if they are gifts or traits you don’t see in yourself (yet). 

Super patient? Leader of thousands? Warrior? Teacher? Feeder of multitudes? Rescuer of forgotten ancestors? 

Now, with these spiritual gift-turned-superpowers, come up with some ways God could use your help in gathering Israel (remember, anything helps!). 

Do one thing this week that uses those gifts for the benefit of others and the glory of God. 

BONUS: If you haven't already, redouble your effort to study God's promises to Israel, as President Nelson challenged us to do. Find the full challenge in his talk.
 

AFFIRMATION:

I am willing to let God prevail in my life. He is the most important influence in my life as I help to gather Israel by how I live, work, and serve.