Elder Scott Teaches Young Adults to Face Challenges

In a recent CES satellite broadcast, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to young people about facing and overcoming personal challenges.

“You are making better progress than you realize,” said Elder Scott. “Your struggles are defining character, discipline, and confidence in the promises of your Father in Heaven and the Savior as you consistently obey Their counsel.”

Elder Scott spoke on 13 January from Brigham Young University’s Marriott Center, where more than 20,000 college-age adults were assembled. The fireside, translated into 22 languages, was broadcast throughout North, Central, and South America and Europe. It was made available on videotape for institute students in other parts of the world.

Elder Scott told the young people that God knows how to resolve any challenge they face, no matter how difficult. “As you exercise faith, doing what you can, He will help you handle those things within your capacity. He will bring into your path priesthood leaders who can counsel and advise, friends who can give you support, and parents who can provide answers. Through the avenue of prayer and the path of inspiration, He will help you know what to do.”

Rarely, said Elder Scott, will a person receive a complete answer to prayer all at once. Rather, answers often come a little at a time. “When you seek inspiration to help make decisions, the Lord will give gentle promptings that require you to think, to exercise faith, to work, to struggle at times, then to act.” He continued, “If you have a feeling that an impression has come through inspiration, try your faith by diligently living it. When it is truly a prompting of the Lord, there will be a confirmation that what you have done is right. You will learn what it feels like to have that witness.”

In conclusion, Elder Scott spoke of the growth that comes from overcoming challenges through the help of the Lord. “As you discipline yourself through careful obedience to the commandments of the Lord, you will qualify to receive inspiration and direction in your life. You will grow in discipline, capacity, devotion, understanding, compassion, and joyful service. Your worthy life will allow you to interpret and apply the inspiration that will come through the Holy Ghost. Your love of Heavenly Father and His Son will increase. It will be a love of reverence, awe, and gratitude of a child to the greatest of all.”