Strength to Prepare and Become

Succeed with the Savior

By David A. Edwards

Church Magazines

The Savior is helping you fulfill your righteous desires for your future.

“Prepare for your future.” It seems like that’s the message behind so much in a youth’s life—at school, at church, at work, at home. You may start to think, “Yes, yes. I get it.” Of course you know that the future is coming and you should prepare for it. And deep down, you want to make your future great.

You’re getting to know your own heart. You’re learning what you really want. You want to do good and meaningful things with your life—to make your mark in the world and in other people’s lives, to serve God and your fellow human beings. You’re coming to know that this is right and will make you truly happy.

So, here are some other important things to know as you grow and prepare for the future:

• The Lord knows your heart too (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:16). Because your deep and sincere desires for your life are good and righteous, Jesus Christ is there with you to strengthen you as you prepare.

• You’re not just preparing to do things; you’re becoming what Heavenly Father and the Savior know you can become.

• You can enjoy the present while also preparing for the future. This time in your life is unique, and the good choices you make are preparing you for a good future.

As you think about what you’re preparing for, also think about how the Savior is strengthening you all along the way. And think what He is helping you to become.

What Are You Preparing For?

Here are just a few examples:

• More education

• Temple covenants

• Mission

• Marriage

• Work and career

• Family and parenthood

• Lifelong discipleship

How Do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Strengthen You as You Prepare?

Here are just a few examples:

1. They send you the Holy Ghost, which can:

   1. Comfort you.

   2. Guide you.

   3. Inspire you.

   4. Remind you of things you’ve learned.

   5. Give you confidence.

   6. Bring you peace.

   7. Calm your fears.

2. They inspire prophets to teach you through:

   1. General conference.

   2. Church magazines.

   3. Special broadcasts.

   4. Church websites and social media.

   5. For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.

3. They inspire others to help and support you, including:

   1. Parents.

   2. Friends.

   3. Leaders.

   4. Teachers.

Who Is Jesus Christ Helping You to Become?

Jesus Christ is helping you to become more like the kind of being He is—more like your Heavenly Father.

They rejoice in each small step you take—every scripture you read, every Church assignment you fulfill, every school assignment you work hard on, every test you study for, every practice you attend, every kind word you utter, every act of service you give, and so much more.

With the Savior’s strength, you’ll be better prepared for your future than you ever could be without Him. And you’ll become something greater.

Preparation is part of the purpose of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices. Reading it can “help you prepare to make sacred covenants in the temple, prepare to serve a mission, and find joy in following Jesus Christ throughout your life.” Then you can “have power from Him to fulfill His purposes for you” ([2022], 2).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Plan for Becoming

“The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.”

President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, Oct. 2000 general conference (Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32).

Continue to Prepare

“The future will be glorious for those who are prepared and who continue to prepare to be instruments in the Lord’s hands.”

President Russell M. Nelson, “Embrace the Future with Faith,” Oct. 2020 general conference (Liahona, Nov. 2020, 75–76).

“I didn’t take Young Women very seriously for a while as a teenager. But one day I saw my mom (who was a Young Women leader) working on projects for the youth program. I remember feeling so inspired by her example to progress spiritually, so I tried to change my attitude.

“I started truly learning what the gospel of Jesus Christ meant for my life. Over the years, I felt a witness that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Even when life was hard as I was figuring out my life after my teenage years, as I kept holding onto those things I knew were true as a young woman, I had so many spiritual experiences that have made my testimony what it is today.”

Sundae I., Misamis Oriental, Philippines