General Conference: Sunday Morning Session Recap
President Nelson presided over this morning’s session and Henry Eyring conducted.
Elder M. Russell Ballard was the first speaker. His message was about the power of prayer. No matter how you pray or to whom you pray, please exercise your faith—whatever your faith may be—and pray for your country and for your national leaders. The best way to help the current world situation is for all people to rely more fully upon God and to turn their hearts to Him through sincere prayer. Sincerely praying for those who may be considered our enemies demonstrates our belief that God can change our hearts and the hearts of others.
Sister Lisa L. Harkness followed Elder Ballard. She centered her message on increasing faith in the midst of challenges. It is in these rough stretches of our journey that our faith can be not only tried but fortified. Our current challenging circumstances are not our final eternal destination. Please know that the Lord is ready to assist us in our personal efforts and promises remarkable blessings if we endure to the end.
Elder Ulisses Soares was the third speaker. Elder Soares talked about how resisting small temptations can keep us away from life-altering mistakes and how there is a way back if we do sin. Seeking Christ in every thought and following Him with all our heart requires that we align our mind and desires with His. Fighting against temptation takes a lifetime of diligence and faithfulness. By following Jesus’ example, we will avoid many tragedies and undesirable behaviors.
Elder Carlos A Godoy then spoke. He talked about recognizing the angels in our lives, both from the unseen heavens and here among us in mortality. Elder Godoy converted to the Church at the age of 16, the only person in his family to become a Latter-day Saint. It was a struggle to find his place with the Saints, and earthly angels helped and saved him. While we endure a season of physically distancing ourselves from others, we need never endure a season of spiritually distancing ourselves from Him who continually, with outstretched arms, entreats us, “Come unto me.” Like a guiding star in a clear dark sky, Jesus Christ lights our way.
Elder Neil L Andersen spoke after Elder Godoy. He talked about coming closer to Christ and bringing others closer, also. How are we to respond to our changing world? While some are neglecting their faith, others are searching for the truth. We have taken the name of the Savior upon us. What more are we to do? If the world is going to speak less of Him, who is going to speak more of Him? We are! While we do not know when He will come, the events of His return will be breathtaking! Let us kindly witness our faith in Christ.
The Prophet was the final speaker. He defined “Israel” as “May God Prevail” and spoke of people who are willing to allow God to prevail in their lives. He also talked about the gathering of Israel and our part in it. We all have our agency. We can choose to be of Israel, or not. The gospel net to gather scattered Israel is expansive. There is room for each person who will fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. I plead with you to promote respect for all of God’s children.
The only way to survive spiritually is to be determined to let God prevail in our lives, to learn to hear His voice, and to use our energy to help gather Israel. I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. (It will change your life!)