Do you feel like you could use a pep talk? I know I definitely need one every other day it seems. I often hear words in my head that tell me I am not good enough, that my efforts won’t make any difference, that my failings offset any good I might do…and on and on.
As I was searching for some inspiration, I came across this talk by Elder John C. Pingree Jr. from the October 2017 General Conference entitled “I have a work for Thee“. It’s like pouring hope right into your soul! It was a talk full of “you got this” “don’t give up” “remember you are loved” and “God has a plan just for YOU!”. I highly recommend reading this talk. It will lift your spirits!
One of my favorite quotes from this talk was by President Russell M. Nelson. In his book, “Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do”, he says this:
“The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself! You have been reserved and preserved for this time and place. The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!”
So. Powerful.
We are needed! There is no getting around those words. There is no exception. We are ALL needed. And Elder Pingree gave us four ways that can help us on our journey to become what God intends us to become, and do what He intends for us to do.
- Focus on others.
- Discover and develop spiritual gifts.
- Make use of adversity.
- Rely on God.
Elder Pingree said, “We can approach decision points in our lives–like what to study, what to do for work, or where to live–in the context of helping others.” I know that when I do anything with the intent to help others it always goes SO.MUCH.BETTER than when I don’t start with that objective. For example, when I have a grouchy attitude about cleaning my kitchen, I am only more grouchy when it is done. Usually because the entire time I am thinking selfish, depressive thoughts. Contrast that with the times when I start my cleaning with the intent that I’m making my home a place where the Spirit can dwell, where my family has a clean space to make memories, then you can bet I am more cheerful WHILE I clean and AFTER I have finished.
In regards to using our spiritual gifts, Elder Pingree said, “Heavenly Father gave us these gifts to help us identify, perform, and ENJOY the work He has for us.” I bolded ENJOY because that it what stuck out to me. We are supposed to be having FUN using our gifts. If life is feeling like it’s just HARD and not much FUN, then maybe we pause and re-evaluate our intent. Intent is my “word” this year. It has been a good word for me to ponder. To really think about how I have the power to create a life I love. A home that my family with love to be at. And a life’s work that will bring me joy and joy to many others.
Speaking about adversity, Elder Pingree said, “Our trials help us discover and prepare for the work Heavenly Father has for us.” As I have thought about this, especially in the context of my ten miscarriages, it has made me pause and think about what Heavenly Father was teaching me through those years of secondary infertility. I hope that it has helped me learn how to love more and judge less. And I hope that this little, tiny blogspace I have created helps even one person to feel that they are not alone. That they are loved by our Heavenly Father. That Jesus Christ walks the journey with them. And that angels are ever at the ready to lift our hearts.
I loved how Elder Pingree ended with Rely on God. He said, “When we ask Him in faith with real intent, He will reveal our divine assignments to us. Once we discover them, He will help us fulfill those assignments. ‘All things are present before [His] eyes’, and at the right times, He will open the doors necessary for us.” Having faith to wait for “the right time” can be challenging. And sometimes, I just really wish the “right time” could hurry up and get here! But learning to find joy in the waiting…well that has been a lesson that seems to keep coming up in my life.
When I choose to find joy in the present, I know I am enabled with more patience to wait.
So if you are feeling low. If the waiting is getting hard. If you are struggling to keep seeking your purpose and life’s mission, then read this talk! It will give you strength to keep going.
You have a work to do! You are needed! Your mission is just that…It is YOURS.
Let’s change the world. The Lord needs us to.
Today there is a reason to hope.
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A Jubilant Hope 