Study Guide for "Trusting Our Father"

In his General Conference talk, "Trusting Our Father," Elder David P. Homer of the Seventy shares the inspiring journey of Louisa Barnes Pratt, who trusted in divine guidance during challenging times. Through her story and other teachings, Elder Homer emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s eternal truths, choosing faith over doubt, and submitting our will to His. He invites us to deepen our relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, who know our challenges and are always ready to support us.

Before Reading

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

What challenges did Louisa Barnes Pratt face, and how did she overcome them?
Why is it important to trust in God's eternal truths?
How can we align our will with God's will?
What role does faith play in understanding and accepting God's will?
How can we apply the teachings of Elder Homer in our daily lives?

Topics

Trust God Over Personal Preferences

Elder Homer shares the story of Louisa Barnes Pratt, who faced significant challenges but chose to trust in divine guidance. Her willingness to set aside personal preferences and trust in God led to joy and success in her journey.

I admire her willingness to set aside her personal preferences, her ability to trust God, and how exercising her faith helped her to see the situation differently.

What can we learn from Louisa Barnes Pratt's example of trusting in God?
How did Louisa's trust in God change her perspective on her journey?
When have you faced a situation where you needed to trust in God over your own preferences?
How can you develop greater trust in God's plan for you?

Acknowledge God's Eternal Truths

Elder Homer discusses the importance of recognizing and accepting God's eternal truths, which are not subject to change based on human opinion. He warns against the desire to redefine these truths and emphasizes their divine origin.

God has established these boundaries Himself, based on eternal truths for our benefit and blessing.

President Russell M. Nelson has consistently taught that God’s saving truths are absolute, independent, and defined by God Himself.

Why are God's truths considered absolute and unchanging?
What are the dangers of attempting to redefine God's eternal truths?
How can you ensure that you align your life with God's eternal truths?
Have you ever felt pressure to conform to societal beliefs that contradict God's truths? How did you respond?

Choose to Trust God

Elder Homer emphasizes the importance of choosing to trust God and His prophets, even when personal views may initially differ. He encourages us to seek understanding through prayer and scripture study.

Whom we choose to trust is one of life’s important decisions.

Elder Neil L. Andersen once taught that we should not be surprised "if at times [our] personal views are not initially in harmony with the teachings of the Lord’s prophet."

How can we strengthen our trust in God when our views differ from His teachings?
What resources are available to help us understand God's truth?
Reflect on a time when you had to choose to trust God over your own understanding. What was the outcome?
How can you prepare yourself to trust in God's guidance in future decisions?

Focus on the Savior

Elder Homer invites us to focus on Jesus Christ and His teachings, even when we face doubts or challenges. He reminds us that faith in the Savior can help us overcome doubts and fears.

The Savior urged us to "look unto [Him] in every thought; doubt not, fear not."

Please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.

What does it mean to "look unto [the Savior] in every thought"?
How can focusing on the Savior help us overcome doubts?
In what ways can you increase your focus on the Savior in your daily life?
Have you experienced a time when focusing on Christ helped you overcome a challenge?

Submit Our Will to God's

Elder Homer highlights the importance of submitting our will to God's, following the example of Jesus Christ. He explains that this act of faith enhances our agency and brings joy and peace.

The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar.

I have learned for myself that God is good and that His ways are better than mine.

Why is submitting our will to God considered an act of faith?
How does submitting our will to God enhance our agency?
Reflect on an experience where you submitted your will to God. What did you learn?
How can you cultivate a more submissive and humble attitude towards God's will?