Connect to Christ’s Power
Here are some basic principles to think about and pray about in connection with the Savior’s strengthening power.
From the broadcast Worldwide Day of Testimony: I Can Do All Things through Christ, Oct. 22, 2023.
My dear young friends, I want you to know that Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the greatest sources of truth and strength on earth. The strengthening power of the Savior helps all who will come unto Him. His gospel is filled with strengthening power because it contains eternal truths augmented by the authority of His priesthood. When we are obedient to His commandments, each one of us can be blessed by His priesthood power. I can think of nothing more important for you to understand at this point in your lives.
In connection with this knowledge, may I mention some basic principles for you to think about and pray about.
First and foremost, you need to know who you really are. You are a son or a daughter of God. As a member of this Church, you are also a son or a daughter of the covenant. And you are each a disciple of Jesus Christ. These three identifiers (child of God, child of the covenant, and disciple of Christ) are more important than any other identifiers. Review these truths about you over and over in your mind. Say them out loud.
What’s more, you are also the future of the Church and of the world. Not only do I believe in you, but your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ believe in you. You were sent to earth now because God knew you could be strong and courageous. And God needs strong and courageous sons and daughters on earth now.
You have not been sent here to fail. You have been sent to earth to succeed—and to help others succeed. As you follow Jesus Christ, you will have all the strength and courage you need to face opposition in this hazardous world. I promise you that.
Learn how to receive personal revelation. There is no other gift on earth like the gift of the Holy Ghost. Try to improve yourself a little each day. The Holy Ghost can help you. You will get better and better at recognizing His promptings. He will help you know what to do and what not to do, where to go and where not to go. He will help you discern who are your true friends and who are not. The Holy Ghost will give you strength and keep you safe.
Obey with exactness the Word of Wisdom and the law of chastity. Doing so will give you physical and spiritual strength that those who do not obey these commandments do not have. Through your continuing faith and obedience, the Lord will increase your ability to move mountains in your life.
Prayerfully ask God to help you exercise stronger faith. Faith in our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, combined with daily repentance, will increase your access to godly power.
If perhaps you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long, let me assure you that is not true. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, your future can be bright, even brilliant. Speak with your parents and your bishop or branch president. They will help you to get on the path of progress once again. Please come back to the joy and safety of the covenant path. We need you with us.
Your ultimate success will come as you yoke yourself to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I know that life without God is a life filled with fear. I also know that life with God is a life filled with peace, joy, and power. Resolve to live your life with God.
My dear young people, our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, are ready to bless you. They will not forsake you.