Years ago I read "Fire of the Covenant" by Gerald Lund, an account of the Willie handcart company. I was impressed with the Saints and how they handled all that they encountered. What courage those saints had. When I think of the difficulties they endured, the trials they faced, the hope they had in spite of all of that, and their determination I cannot help but want to be a better person, a more prepared person as well.
We have been told/warned that things are going to be difficult. Recently Elder Bednar was in the Stockton Stake for their Stake Conference. When there he told the Saints that it is no longer going to be enough to have a testimony, you have to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and God, our Father. He said we are going to be persecuted. I believe him.
With that being said, I have hope. This weekend at our Stake Conference Elder Pieper was in attendance. His message to us was to put our hope in Jesus Christ. We cannot put our hope in our 401K, in our bank account, or even our home. We have to put our hope in Jesus Christ as a sure foundation. He is our rock. We can experience miracles. We need to become prepared for whatever is coming our way, whether spiritually or physically, it is what we need to do.
"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." D&C 38:30
Now is the time to prepare, to become a stronger people, so that we can endure our hardships that are surely coming. I am so very grateful for the pioneer-Saints who endured so much that they could find Zion. They are a rich example to me.
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