April 2018 General Conference

What Will I Do?

Looking for Guidance

This past February my sweet husband of two years explained that he no longer has a testimony and is discontinuing his membership in the Church. With this change in faith, various lifestyle choices shifted as well. I was absolutely devastated, with no idea where my life was headed. I have never pleaded so hard to receive guidance as I did during the April 2018 general conference. I sat listening to each talk, and as President Russell M. Nelson began his address on personal revelation, I found the direction I was seeking.

President Nelson outlines how to receive answers to the heart’s most pressing questions. He invites us to “pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind.” I cried during the entire talk and took copious notes. President Nelson might as well have included my name in his talk when he asked, “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes!” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2018, 95).

While I can’t say I know what God has in store for me quite yet, I learned two important lessons this conference. First, there is no doubt in my mind that President Nelson is a prophet. Second, God knows us individually, and He will reveal His will to us in His time. President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) once said, “I never cease to be amazed by how the Lord can motivate and direct the length and breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual” (“Consider the Blessings,” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 89). I was the individual inspired that day with the assurance that His hand is guiding me.

—Name withheld

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Answers to Questions

As a young mother, I struggle to feel God’s love and understand my worth in His plan. How does God really feel about me?

“To mothers, especially young mothers, who often feel overwhelmed and underwater while striving to raise ‘a sin-resistant generation,’ never underestimate your central role in God’s plan. In stressful moments—perhaps when you are chasing little ones and a charred smell from the kitchen informs you that your lovingly prepared dinner is now a burnt offering—know that God sanctifies your most difficult days. ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee’ [Isaiah 41:10], He peacefully reassures.”

Elder Brian K. Taylor of the Seventy, “Am I a Child of God?” Ensign, May 2018, 13.

What questions did you have that were answered by something you heard at conference? Share your experience on our Facebook page: facebook.com/ensign.magazine.

Diving Deeper

Divine Promises

President Russell M. Nelson made this divine promise during the April 2018 general conference: “There may be times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. But I promise you that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign, May 2018, 95–96).

Many other leaders also made divine promises in general conference. As you study the most recent messages, see if you can identify any divine promises given. Here are a few talks to get you started:

Henry B. Eyring, “His Spirit to Be with You,” Ensign, May 2018, 86.
David A. Bednar, “Meek and Lowly of Heart,” Ensign, May 2018, 30.
Dale G. Renlund, “Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing,” Ensign, May 2018, 46.

Consider recording in your journal your thoughts and feelings about these divine promises.