Alysha Baxley
Although adversity is everywhere, Latter-day Saints must never give up hope, said President James E. Faust in the Sunday morning session of general conference.
“Hope is the anchor of our souls,” President Faust said. “I know of no one who is not in need of hope — young or old, strong or weak, rich or poor.”
President Faust admonished members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to never forget the purpose and power of the Holy Ghost in their lives. It is through the Holy Ghost that one can come to know the truth of all things, he said.
A knowledge of all things brings a sincere knowledge of Christ, the greatest source of hope, President Faust said.
“The unfailing source of our hope is that we are sons and daughters of God and that His Son, Jesus Christ, has saved us from death.
“Such hope springs from the belief that if we have faith, somehow He will help us through our challenges — if not in this life, then surely in the life to come,” he said.
President Faust said when trials come and hope seems dim, members of the LDS Church must remember that trials are part of the test of mortality.
“Trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope,” he said.
President Faust recounted the story of a young mother in Northern Ireland who lost her baby in a miscarriage. Sister Joyce Audrey Evans wrote, just days after her miscarriage, that she felt at peace because she never gave up hope.
President Faust read Sister Evans’ words to the congregation.
“I knew now why I couldn’t give up hope in spite of all the circumstances: you either live in hope or you live in despair. Without hope, you cannot endure to the end,” she wrote.
“We can all find hope from our personal prayers and gain comfort … hope also comes from direct personal revelation, to which we are entitled if we are worthy,” President Faust said.
President Faust also quoted Alma 22:6. It reads, “If thou wilt bow down before God … and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.”
