Turn to the Lord
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How do we respond when unexpected events alter the life we had planned or hoped for?
- What can we learn from the experiences of Hyrum Shumway and Alma and his people?
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ provide hope and healing in times of trial?
- What resources has the Lord provided to help us turn to Him during challenges?
- Why is it important to turn to the Savior rather than away from Him when facing difficulties?
Topics
Responding to Unexpected Challenges
Bishop Waddell recounts personal experiences and the story of Hyrum Shumway to illustrate how unexpected challenges can alter our lives. He emphasizes the importance of our response to these challenges and how turning to the Lord can provide hope and peace.
There will be times in our lives when we find ourselves on an unexpected path, facing circumstances much more severe than a disrupted vacation.
In this mortal experience, we cannot control all that happens to us, but we have absolute control over how we respond to the changes in our lives.
- What are some examples of unexpected challenges mentioned in the talk?
- How did Hyrum Shumway respond to his life-changing injuries?
- What can we learn from the way Alma and his people responded to their trials?
- How have you responded to unexpected challenges in your life?
- What can you do to ensure you turn to the Lord during difficult times?
- Can you think of a time when turning to the Lord provided you with peace and comfort? Write about that experience.
The Power of the Atonement
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to finding hope and healing during trials. Bishop Waddell explains how the Savior's atoning sacrifice provides the ultimate corrective and healing measures for every wounded body, damaged spirit, and broken heart.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the ultimate corrective and healing measures to every wounded body, damaged spirit, and broken heart.
He knows, in a way that no one else can understand, what it is that we need, individually, in order to move forward in the midst of change.
- What does Bishop Waddell say about the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
- How does the Savior empathize with our challenges?
- What did President Boyd K. Packer teach about the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ?
- How can you apply the healing power of the Atonement in your life?
- In what ways can you turn to the Savior for comfort and strength during trials?
- Write about a time when you felt the healing power of the Atonement in your life.
Faith and Trust in the Lord
Bishop Waddell emphasizes the importance of having faith and trust in the Lord, even when facing severe trials. He shares stories of individuals who maintained their faith and were blessed for their trust in God's plan.
Hyrum Shumway’s life may have been changed by war, but he never doubted his divine nature and eternal potential.
Ultimately, "so great was their faith and their patience" that Alma and his people were delivered by the Lord, as will we, "and they gave thanks."
- How did Hyrum Shumway demonstrate his faith and trust in the Lord?
- What did Alma and his people do in response to their trials?
- Why is it important to maintain faith and trust in the Lord during difficult times?
- How can you strengthen your faith and trust in the Lord?
- What are some ways you can show your trust in God's plan for you?
- Reflect on a time when you trusted in the Lord and saw His hand in your life.
Using Provided Resources
The Lord has provided numerous resources to help us turn to Him during life's challenges. Bishop Waddell lists several of these resources, including scripture study, prayer, temple attendance, and priesthood blessings, and encourages us to utilize them faithfully.
In these latter days, the Lord has provided us with numerous resources, our "brazen serpents," all of which are designed to help us look to Christ and place our trust in Him.
Dealing with the challenges of life is not about ignoring reality but rather where we choose to focus and the foundation upon which we choose to build.
- What resources has the Lord provided to help us turn to Him?
- How can these resources help us navigate life's challenges?
- Why is it important to use these resources faithfully?
- Which of the provided resources do you feel you need to utilize more in your life?
- How can you make scripture study and prayer a more consistent part of your daily routine?
- Write about a time when one of these resources helped you through a difficult situation.
Choosing to Turn to the Savior
Bishop Waddell teaches that turning to the Savior is always a choice, especially during trials. He shares the story of the brazen serpent and emphasizes the importance of choosing to look to Christ for healing and support.
The sad irony is that, too often, those most in need turn away from their one perfect source of help—our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Like the ancient Israelites, we are also invited and encouraged to look to the Savior and live—for His yoke is easy and His burden is light, even when ours may be heavy.
- What lesson can we learn from the story of the brazen serpent?
- Why is it important to choose to turn to the Savior during trials?
- What does Bishop Waddell say about the consequences of turning away from the Savior?
- How can you ensure that you choose to turn to the Savior during difficult times?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with the Savior?
- Reflect on a time when turning to the Savior brought you peace and comfort. Write about that experience.
