At the start of the new year, some of the members of Zion and I gathered together to share words of blessing and hope. As I considered what message I should share, I turned to the Scriptures, and a passage seemed to leap off the page:
“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Th 2:13–15
Apostle Paul, filled with gratitude for God who chose us from the beginning for salvation, urged us, the holy people, to obey every word of God so that we might receive the glory prepared for us in heaven. What lingered in my heart most deeply were the words, “stand firm.” They struck me not merely as Paul’s encouragement, but as the earnest message of our Heavenly Father and Mother, who already know the hardships Their children will face in the desert of faith.
I want to pass on that same hope and comfort to my brothers and sisters. Whatever trials may come, let us anchor our hearts in unwavering faith as we fix our hope on the heavenly glory prepared for us by our Heavenly Father and Mother.