From Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
. . . .”When Zoram had made an oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him” (1 Nephi 4:37).
What of the ancient promise “made to the fathers” as described in the scriptures that “the hearts of the children shall turn to the fathers” (Doctrine & Covenants 2:2, 27:9, 128:17; Joseph Smith—History 1:39)? In the pre-earth life when we chose God’s plan, we made a promise to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil. “We went into partnership with the Lord,” Elder John A. Widtsoe explained years ago. “The working of the plan became not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work” (“The Worth of Souls.” Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, 189).
“[The] gathering is the most important thing taking place on earth today,” President Nelson has said as he has traveled the world. “When we speak of the gathering we are simply saying this fundamental truth: every one of Heavenly Father’s children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Hope of Israel” [world wide youth devotional, June 3, 2018]).
In addition, as we keep our promises to the Lord, we can more easily trust the Lord and His promises. I know that all His promises will be fulfilled.
Your greatest strength is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has promised: “I will be on your right hand and on your left” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:88). I know my sheep, and they are numbered” (3 Nephi 18:31)
“[My] peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27).
“Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth” (Alma 5:16).
“For they that are wise have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day: (Doctrine & Covenants 45:57).
This is why we should not be troubled by the turmoil of today, by those in the great and spacious building, by those who scoff at honest effort and dedicated service to the Lord Jesus Christ. Optimism, courage and even charity come from a heart not burdened by troubles or turmoil.
Spencer W. Kimball was one of the prophets of my youth. These past few years, after being called as an Apostle, I have found peace in his first message at general conference in October 1943. He was overwhelmed by his call; I know what that feels like. Elder Kimball said: “I did a great deal of thinking and praying, and fasting and praying. There were conflicting thoughts that surged through my mind—seeming voices saying: ‘You can’t do the work. You aren’t worthy. You have not the ability’—and always finally came the triumphant thought: You must “do the work assigned—you must make yourself able, worthy and qualified.’ And the battle raged on” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1943, 16-17).
I take heart from that pure-hearted testimony of this Apostle who would become the twelfth President of this mighty Church. He recognized he had to put behind him his fears in order to “do the work assigned” and that he had to rely on the Lord to make himself “able, worthy and qualified.” We can too. The battles will rage on, but we will face them with the Spirit of the Lord. We will ‘be not troubled’ because when we are true to our promises and stand with the Lord and stand for His principles and His eternal plan, we are standing on holy ground.
~ Elder Ronald A. Rasband (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) Be Not Troubled (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2020), 34-36
