Study Guide for "Highly Favored of the Lord"

In this talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson discusses the experience of dealing with disappointments and how the Lord blesses us even in times of adversity. He uses his personal experience as a young missionary and the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic as examples. He also highlights how the Church has been prepared for such times through prophetic guidance and adjustments, and how individuals and the Church as a whole have been "highly favored of the Lord" despite the challenges.

Before Reading

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

How does Elder Stevenson describe dealing with disappointment?
What examples does Elder Stevenson use to illustrate how the Lord blesses us in times of adversity?
What adjustments in the Church does Elder Stevenson highlight as being particularly beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic?
How does Elder Stevenson describe the joy of returning to temple ordinances after closures?
What does Elder Stevenson testify about Jesus Christ and His understanding of our afflictions?

Topics

Coping with Disappointment and Sorrow

Elder Stevenson discusses the disappointment and sorrow he felt as a young missionary when he was unable to attend a historic meeting. He relates this to the disappointment and sorrow many have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he assures us that the Lord still watches over and blesses us in times of affliction.

So how do we heal, endure, and move forward when things seem so broken?

Times of affliction and disappointment do not change the watchful eye of the Lord as He favorably looks upon us, blessing us.

How does Elder Stevenson describe the process of healing and moving forward from disappointment and sorrow?
What assurance does Elder Stevenson give about the Lord's watchfulness and blessings in times of affliction?
Can you recall a time when you experienced disappointment or sorrow? How did you see the Lord's hand in your life during that time?
How can you apply Elder Stevenson's teachings to help you cope with current or future disappointments or sorrows?

Accomplishing Greatness in Adversity with the Lord's Help

Elder Stevenson shares examples from the scriptures of individuals who were able to accomplish great things despite facing adversity, due to the Lord's help. He emphasizes that we are defined more by what we can do with the Lord's help than by our limitations.

All were defined more by what they were able to do with the Lord’s help than by what they could not do as a result of their confinement and restriction.

Each of them understood what Nephi knew: that although they had seen many afflictions in the course of their days, they were highly favored of the Lord.

What examples does Elder Stevenson give of individuals who accomplished great things in adversity with the Lord's help?
What does it mean to be "highly favored of the Lord" despite experiencing afflictions?
Can you think of a time when you were able to accomplish something despite facing adversity, with the Lord's help?
How can you seek the Lord's help to accomplish great things in the face of current or future adversity?

Becoming More Home Centered and Church Supported

Elder Stevenson discusses how the Church's shift towards being more home centered and Church supported has allowed members to continue gospel learning during the pandemic. He emphasizes the prophetic foresight of this adjustment and the importance of maintaining home-centered gospel study even after the pandemic.

Home-centered gospel learning has been put into practice with the temporary closure of meetinghouses.

Even as the world begins to normalize and we return to chapels, we will want to retain our home-centered patterns of gospel study and learning developed during the pandemic.

What does Elder Stevenson say about the importance of home-centered gospel learning, especially during the pandemic?
Why does Elder Stevenson suggest that we should continue home-centered gospel study even after the pandemic?
How have you experienced home-centered gospel learning during the pandemic?
What home-centered patterns of gospel study have you developed that you can continue even after the pandemic?

Ministering in a Higher and Holier Way

Elder Stevenson talks about how the pandemic has provided numerous opportunities to improve ministering skills. He highlights the ways ministering brothers and sisters, young men and young women, and the Church have reached out to help those in need during this time.

The pandemic has introduced numerous opportunities to hone our ministering skills.

Ministering brothers and sisters, young women and young men, and others have reached out to provide contact, conversation, yard care, meals, messages via technology, and the sacrament ordinance to bless those in need.

How does Elder Stevenson describe the opportunities for ministering that have arisen during the pandemic?
What examples does Elder Stevenson give of how people and the Church have ministered to others during this time?
How have you been able to minister to others during the pandemic?
What new ways of ministering can you continue to use even after the pandemic?

Finding Heightened Joy in the Return of Temple Ordinances

Elder Stevenson shares a story of a sister missionary who was able to receive her endowment just before her mission, despite temple closures. He emphasizes the joy and sweetness of returning to temple ordinances after the closures.

The temple ordinances we have missed over several months seem sweeter than previously imagined as temples around the world reopen in phases.

What does Elder Stevenson say about the joy of returning to temple ordinances after closures?
How does the story of Sister Palmer illustrate this joy?
How have you felt about the return of temple ordinances after closures?
What can you do to prepare for and appreciate the opportunity to participate in temple ordinances?