Study Guide for "Just Keep Going

In his talk, Elder Carl B. Cook of the Presidency of the Seventy, shares inspiring messages about the power of faith and perseverance through challenges and discouragement. Drawing from examples in scripture, personal experiences, and teachings of other church leaders, Elder Cook emphasizes the importance of relying on the Lord, following the Spirit, and maintaining faith in times of adversity.

Before Reading

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

What counsel did the Prophet Joseph Smith give to Elder George A. Smith during a time of great difficulty?
How does Elder Cook define discouragement in this context?
What examples does Elder Cook use to illustrate the principle of persevering with faith?
What personal experience does Elder Cook share about following the Spirit?
What promises does Elder Cook give to those who continue to persevere with faith?

Topics

Understanding Discouragement and Overcoming it with Faith

Elder Cook talks about the common experience of discouragement that comes with life's challenges. He emphasizes the importance of not letting discouragement overwhelm us and instead, exercising faith in Jesus Christ to overcome obstacles.

Today I would like to renew Joseph’s plea not to let discouragement overwhelm us when we face disappointment, painful experiences, our own inadequacies, or other challenges.

The God of heaven and earth will help us overcome discouragement and whatever obstacles we encounter if we look to Him, follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and just keep going—with faith.

What does Elder Cook mean when he talks about discouragement?
How does faith in Jesus Christ help us overcome discouragement?
Can you recall a time when you felt discouraged? How did you overcome it?
What steps can you take to exercise more faith when faced with discouragement?

Learning from the Example of Zoram

Elder Cook shares the example of Zoram from the Book of Mormon who faced a difficult choice but chose to follow Nephi with faith. Despite the challenges he faced, Zoram remained faithful and received blessings.

Zoram suffered many afflictions in his new life, yet he pressed forward with faith. We have no indication that Zoram clung to his past or harbored resentment toward God or others.

What had been a huge obstacle in Zoram’s path eventually led to rich blessings, due to his faithfulness and willingness to just keep going—with faith.

What challenges did Zoram face and how did he respond to them?
What blessings did Zoram receive as a result of his faith?
How can you follow Zoram's example in your own life?
What obstacles are you currently facing and how can you press forward with faith?

Listening to the Spirit and Persevering through Difficulties

Elder Cook shares a personal experience of being asked to speak multiple times in a meeting, despite feeling unprepared. He highlights the importance of relying on the Lord and the Holy Ghost for guidance and strength.

Praying fervently and relying on the Lord for help, somehow, I was blessed with a thought, a scripture, and I was able to speak for another 15 minutes. I sat down totally exhausted.

In spite of my weakness, I learned that I can serve; I can contribute when the Lord is by my side if I just keep going—with faith.

How did Elder Cook rely on the Spirit during his stake conference experience?
What did Elder Cook learn from his experience?
How can you better listen to and follow the Spirit in your own life?
What experiences have you had when you relied on the Lord and the Spirit?

The Power of Perseverance and Faith in Christ

Elder Cook emphasizes that regardless of the size or severity of our challenges, faith in Jesus Christ can help us overcome discouragement and continue moving forward.

Regardless of the size, scope, and seriousness of the challenges we face in life, we all have times when we feel like stopping, leaving, escaping, or possibly giving up. But exercising faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, helps us overcome discouragement no matter what obstacles we encounter.

Just as the Savior finished the work He was given to do, He has the power to help us finish the work we have been given. We can be blessed to move forward along the covenant path, no matter how rocky it becomes, and eventually receive eternal life.

How does faith in Christ help us overcome discouragement and keep moving forward?
What does it mean to "finish the work we have been given"?
How can you exercise more faith in Christ during challenging times?
What work have you been given that you need to finish, and how can you rely on Christ to help you?