Study Guide for "Confide in God Unwaveringly"

In his General Conference talk titled "Confide in God Unwaveringly," Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in God and Jesus Christ, especially during times of trial. He uses scriptural examples and personal experiences to illustrate how faith can help us overcome challenges and receive divine guidance and blessings. Elder Soares encourages members to trust in the counsel of Church leaders, renew their covenants, and serve God with all their heart.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean to have unwavering faith in God?
How can we apply the example of King Limhi's people in our lives?
What role does Jesus Christ's Atonement play in overcoming life's challenges?
How can we recognize and resist the adversary's attempts to weaken our faith?
What are the blessings promised to those who trust in God and His prophets?

Topics

Trust in Prophetic Counsel

Elder Soares testifies of the divine calling of President Thomas S. Monson and other Church leaders, emphasizing the safety and guidance that come from following their counsel. He encourages members to strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through the teachings of these leaders.

I know that President Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of God in our day.

They represent the Lord Jesus Christ and have the right to declare His mind and will as it is revealed to them.

Why is it important to follow the counsel of Church leaders?
How do Church leaders receive guidance from the Lord?
How can you better follow the counsel of Church leaders in your daily life?
Reflect on a time when following prophetic counsel blessed your life.

Exercise Faith in Times of Trial

Elder Soares recounts the story of King Limhi and his people, who placed their trust in God despite their difficult circumstances. He encourages members to look to the future with faith and replace fear with hope, trusting that God will provide for their needs.

Lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God.

If ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, … and serve him with all diligence of mind, … he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.

What can we learn from King Limhi's example of faith?
How does faith help us overcome trials?
What trials are you currently facing that require greater faith?
How can you develop a more optimistic outlook rooted in faith?

Rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Elder Soares highlights the Savior's ultimate sacrifice and His ability to help us with every burden. He explains that through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we can find strength, ease our burdens, and overcome the world.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Through His life, suffering, death, and Resurrection, He removed every impediment to our rejoicing and finding peace on this earth.

How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ help us in our daily lives?
What does it mean to "overcome the world" through Christ?
How can you more fully rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ in your life?
Reflect on a time when you felt the Savior's help during a difficult situation.

Resist the Adversary's Deceptions

Elder Soares warns against the adversary's attempts to use logic and reasoning to weaken our faith. He reminds members that Satan is an enemy to God and continuously entices us to sin. By remaining steadfast in our faith, we can overcome these deceptions and receive God's blessings.

The logic of the natural man "receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him."

Satan "is an enemy [of] God, and [he] fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth [us] to sin, and to do that which is evil continually."

How does the adversary try to weaken our faith?
What can we do to resist the adversary's deceptions?
What strategies can you use to recognize and resist the adversary's influence?
Reflect on a time when you overcame a temptation through faith.

Renew Covenants and Serve Diligently

Elder Soares invites members to renew their covenants with God and serve Him with all their heart, regardless of their circumstances. He shares a personal story of a missionary who, despite the loss of his sister, continued to serve with faith and diligence, trusting in God's plan.

I invite you to renew your covenants with God, to serve Him with all your heart, regardless of the complex situations of life.

By the power of your unwavering faith in Christ, you will become free of the captivity of sin, of doubt, of unbelief, of unhappiness, of suffering; and you will receive all of the promised blessings from our loving Heavenly Father.

Why is it important to renew our covenants with God?
How does serving God with all our heart bless our lives?
How can you renew your commitment to serve God more diligently?
Reflect on a time when serving God brought you peace and blessings.