God Will Do Something Unimaginable
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does Elder Uchtdorf relate the building of the Salt Lake Temple to our current adversities?
- What does Elder Uchtdorf say about the effects of the worldwide pandemic?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf describe our role and potential during times of adversity?
- What examples does Elder Uchtdorf give of blessings coming from hardship?
- What does Elder Uchtdorf say about the importance of modern revelation?
- How has the work of gathering Israel been impacted by the pandemic?
- What does Elder Uchtdorf teach about God's ways in His work?
Topics
God Uses Adversity for His Purposes
Elder Uchtdorf teaches that God uses adversity to bring about His purposes. He uses the example of the early Saints building the Salt Lake Temple and how their initial setbacks ultimately led to a stronger foundation. He applies this principle to the current pandemic, reminding us that God has prepared His children and His Church for this time and will use it for His purposes.
This story can teach us how God uses adversity to bring about His purposes.
God has prepared His children and His Church for this time.
- What example does Elder Uchtdorf use to illustrate how God uses adversity?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf suggest God is using the current pandemic for His purposes?
- Can you think of a time when God used adversity in your life for His purposes?
- How can you better prepare for and respond to adversity in the future?
Blessings Come from Hardship
Elder Uchtdorf discusses examples from scripture and Church history where individuals and groups faced significant hardship and adversity, yet God used these experiences to bring about unimaginable blessings. He emphasizes that God will not abandon us in our suffering and has something unimaginable in mind for us.
Every dispensation has faced its times of trial and hardship.
God has something unimaginable in mind for you personally and the Church collectively—a marvelous work and a wonder.
- What examples does Elder Uchtdorf give of blessings coming from hardship?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf describe God's role in our suffering?
- Can you think of a time when you experienced blessings from hardship?
- How can you better trust in God's plan during times of adversity?
The Importance of Modern Revelation
Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes the importance of modern revelation in guiding the Church and its members. He assures us that with Christ at the helm, things will not only be all right; they will be unimaginable. He also discusses the advancements in the Church in the past decade due to modern revelation.
Our best days are ahead of us, not behind us. This is why God gives us modern revelation!
Brothers and sisters, with Christ at the helm, things will not only be all right; they will be unimaginable.
- How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the role of modern revelation in the Church?
- What are some of the advancements in the Church due to modern revelation that Elder Uchtdorf mentions?
- How has modern revelation impacted your life or your understanding of the gospel?
- How can you better seek and follow modern revelation?
The Work of Gathering Israel Continues
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Elder Uchtdorf shares that the work of gathering Israel is increasing in power and enthusiasm. He shares stories of missionary work adapting and thriving in these circumstances, and encourages us to continue finding new and creative ways to share the gospel.
At first it may have seemed that a worldwide pandemic would be a roadblock to the Lord’s work. However, the pandemic is revealing new and more creative ways of reaching out to the honest in heart.
In the past, we might have been so tied to traditional approaches that it took a pandemic to open our eyes.
- How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the impact of the pandemic on the work of gathering Israel?
- What examples does Elder Uchtdorf give of the work of gathering Israel adapting and thriving during the pandemic?
- How can you find new and creative ways to share the gospel and contribute to the work of gathering Israel?
- How has your perspective on missionary work changed during the pandemic?
God's Work, God's Ways
Elder Uchtdorf teaches that the Lord's work is done in His ways, which may differ from our past experiences. He uses the example of the disciples fishing on the Sea of Tiberias and how Jesus instructed them to cast their nets on the other side of the ship. He assures us that God will continue to reveal His almighty hand and help us find better ways to build His kingdom.
This is the Lord’s work. He invites us to find His ways of doing it, and they may differ from our past experiences.
God has revealed and will continue to reveal His almighty hand. The day will come when we will look back and know that during this time of adversity, God was helping us to find better ways—His ways—to build His kingdom on a firm foundation.
- What example does Elder Uchtdorf use to illustrate the principle of doing the Lord's work in His ways?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf describe the future of the Lord's work?
- How can you better seek and follow God's ways in doing His work?
- How has your understanding of the Lord's work evolved over time?
