Spiritual Whirlwinds

Spiritual Whirlwinds

by: Elder Neil L. Anderson

When I first  looking for a conference talk to read today I was looking under the topics at the front of the Ensign and found this one under Book of Mormon. Yes it does mention the Book of Mormon but as I started reading it I found it was more in obedience. 

One of the analogies  that Elder Anderson uses is about a tree. "In nature, trees that grow up in a windy environment become stronger. As winds whip around a young stapling, forces inside the tree do two things. First, the stimulate the roots to grow faster and spread further. Second, the forces in the tree start creating cell structures that actually make the trunk and branches thicker and more flexible to the pressure of the wind. These stronger roots and branches protect the tree from the winds that are sure to return." 

He goes on to say, "You are infinitely more precious to God than a tree. You are His son or His daughter. He made your spirit strong and capable of being resilient to the whirlwinds of life. The whirlwinds in your youth, like the wind against a young tree, can increase your spiritual strength, preparing you for the years ahead." 

We are truly important to our Savior. He is mindful of all the whirlwinds in our lives. If we just turn to him in prayer then we can and will assist you. He truly wants us to return to Him and is aware that we will have trials in our lives. Elder Anderson said in his talk, "Challenges will come to you, but as you trust in God they will strengthen your faith."

Elder Anderson quotes President Harold B. Lee in saying "The only safety we have as members of this Church is to....learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet....There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes...it may contradict your political views....your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself,..."the gates of hell shall not prevail against you...and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you..." (D&C 21.6)

On seeing that this talk was talking about obedience I looked up obedience in "Preach my Gospel" and found this quote by Elder L Tom Perry, "The discipline contained in daily obedience and clean living and wholesome lives builds an armor around you of protection and safety from the temptations that beset you as you proceed through mortality."

How wonderful to know that if we are obedient then we can receive the protection we need from this world.

In closing Elder Anderson said, "My young brothers and sisters, how we love you, admire you, and pray for you. Don't let the whirlwinds drag you down. These are your days-to stand strong as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Build more firmly your foundation upon the rock of your Redeemer, Treasure more completely His incomparable life and teachings. Follow more diligently His example and His commandments. Embrace more deeply His love, His Mercy and grace, and the powerful gifts of His Atonement.

As you do, I promise you that you will see the whirlwinds for what they are--tests, temptations, distractions, or challenges to help you grow. And as you live righteously year after year, I assure you that your experiences will confirm to you again and again that Jesus is the Christ. The spiritual rock under your feet will be solid and secure. You will rejoice that God has placed you here to be part of the final preparations for Christ's glorious return." 

What a wonderful promise that is.