Plan With Hope

This past weekend marked yet another Easter celebration. Many people throughout the world commemorated it by remembering the great sacrifices made on our behalf by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For some it was a time of tradition and ceremony. For others it was a chance to gather with loved ones and do fun-filled activities that have nothing to do with the true meaning of Easter—and that’s okay. Family time is important. Gathering together to strengthen eternal ties is crucial these days. Life becomes so busy for us that it doesn’t happen near enough. Thank heavens for occasions that give us an opportunity to renew the bonds that really matter. 

Christmas is a similar holiday. At the heart of both is the reminder of what is truly important. Most reflect at some point that the true hope in this world comes from what our Elder Brother made possible. How empty life would be if the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ did not exist. If all we believed in was the here and now—if some part of us refused to acknowledge that this life serves a purpose and the choices we make do indeed count for something.

There are many who are struggling in this latter day. They are often so consumed with inner pain and turmoil that it has blocked the light that offers hope. At times they become bitter and refuse to see the beauty and joy our Father wants us to find in this life. The adversary is cunning—he has had a long time to prepare for this day and he is very good at inspiring doubt, discouragement, and despair. In my opinion, these are the three degrees of destruction. These three items have led to untold misery and violence, something we are seeing on an increased magnitude in today’s world. At the heart of it all is a form of selfishness that started long ago. 

The battle between good and evil began long before man set foot upon this planet. It started before any of us were born. This battle had its beginning when we lived together as spirit children of a loving Father in heaven. We wanted a chance to grow and become more like our heavenly parents. And so the great plan of happiness was shared. We would have a chance to come to a mortal sphere where we would be tested, and we would have the opportunity to learn to control a mortal body. We would have the freedom to choose the kind of life that we would lead, knowing that if we proved worthy, family ties could become eternal, and our joy would be complete.

In the great scheme of things, there will always be opposition. (See 2 Nephi 2:11) This did indeed take place in the great heavenly counsel as another plan was shared. (See Abraham 3:22-28) The details of this plan were simple: we would be forced to make right choices and in the end, all glory would be given to an elder brother, Lucifer, who guaranteed that not one soul would be lost. Most of us realized that this plan, although tempting, was not in our best interest. We would all make it back to our Father, but without the growth and learning we desired. An argument ensued, and a battle began that is still being waged here upon the earth. 

Lucifer and his followers lost the first round. They are now determined to win the second round here in mortal mode. And currently, during these trying latter days, they are pulling out all of the stops. You may recognize their handiwork in items that inspire doubt, discouragement, and despair. We live in a world that worships money, power, and greed. Themes of selfishness and control are rampant. Violence is touted in movies, music, video games, and books. In short, we are deluged with dark messages compliments of someone who wants us to become as miserable as he is. The great challenge of our day is to block out these dark thoughts and turn instead to the things that will enhance hope and love. It truly is the simple things that will help us survive these challenging latter days. Prayer, studying (not skimming) the scriptures, attending church meetings and truly listening to gospel teachings, heeding the warnings and advice from our church leaders, attending the temple, the list goes on and on. All of these things will help us put on the armor of God that we desperately need to survive this current battle. 

There is still hope, love, and beauty in this troubled world. All around are signs of how much our Father in heaven loves us. Good works are taking place, and loving service is being rendered by those who know and understand what is truly important.  Miracles still exist, and in the end, Lucifer and his followers will lose  . . .   again. He knows this is true, and that is why he is trying to ruin as many lives as he possibly can before his time runs out.

How do I know all of this? It is a testimony that did not come easy, nor without a price. It came after hours on my knees in prayer, after months of searching the scriptures for truth. It came line upon line, precept on precept. I did not understand the Plan of Salvation all at once. It came bit by bit as life threw one challenging trial after another into the path I have walked in this life. It has given me the hope I have needed to survive. In future posts, I may touch on some of these experiences, hoping that these items might inspire others to search for truth and light as they make their way forward along the path of life. Just remember on dark days, you are not alone. We are surrounded by those who care, often by those who are sight unseen, who want nothing more than for us to succeed and push forward to a brighter day.