What is your purpose in life? Who should you be helping? Should you change jobs? How can you reach your teenage child who seems to have drifted away? How can you strengthen your marriage; you used to feel so close to your spouse, but now …? Maybe you are in the grips of depression and wondering if life is even worth living. How can you find answers? Is anyone listening to the yearnings of your heart? Is there a heavenly being that answers prayers?
Seeking divine guidance or help is among the most fundamental of human instincts. It is how we know we are not alone in this universe. When the pressures and heartaches of life come upon us, we sink to our knees and ask for help. We listen for the words of comfort and peace to come to our hearts and minds from the Divine.
There are also other ways we can hear from our Heavenly Father. Often, a friend will call right when we are feeling at our lowest or a perfectly timed text will brighten your day. Heavenly Father can answer our prayers through others. We can be the hands that help lift up those that are feeling low. We can also receive answers by reading the scriptures. Throughout time prophets of old recorded their dealings with God in the scriptures. Today, we can read and apply those teachings in our lives. Another way to hear God’s words is through modern day prophets.
The word prophet comes from a Greek word, which means “inspired teacher,” and indeed that is the primary role of the prophet: to teach the gospel. While God’s commandments and principles are constant, the world we live in is not. Different periods of time have each brought with them new circumstances and unique challenges. In our day the internet, pornography, smart phones and school shootings are just a few examples of challenges that face us and our children. Because many of our trials and concerns are different from ancient times, it makes sense that God would call prophets for our day, servants who could further His work among His children. Prophets that receive revelation from God in order to help us navigate through the world in which we currently live.
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that God has called modern day prophets/apostles. These prophets continue to teach, including twice a year during a meeting we call General Conference. Their words are broadcast internationally, appear in print, and are shared online for all to examine. They continue to caution and advise people. Recent counsel addresses issues such as strengthening marriage and family relationships, practical matters such as education and financial prudence, and spiritual subjects that help us overcome personal trials and find greater confidence in our faith in God.
The true test of a prophet’s words is when we apply them to our personal lives. Those who hear these messages often comment, “It was like they were speaking directly to me!” Truly, God knows our deepest concerns and wants to help. As I watched the last General Conference, I was struck by the words of Bonnie L. Oscarson. She counseled us that instead of going about our day asking the question “What am I going to get out of this?” to ask, “Who needs me today … what do I have to contribute?” I found that wisdom to be quite profound and necessary in my life. I try now to wake up each day and ask myself those questions.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has shared with us, “As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. … There are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations.” He taught that “We are all pilgrims seeking God’s light as we journey on the path of discipleship.”
I invite all to watch this next General Conference on Saturday and Sunday, March 31 and April 1, at 8 a.m. and noon. You can watch online at lds.org on GCI cable on BYUtv Channel 124, or on the Mormon Channel through YouTube, Firestick, Apple TV or Roku.
• Jacqueline F. Tupou is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Living & Growing” is a weekly column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders.
