Is the Plan Working?
Is the Plan Working?
Adrián Ochoa
Takeaways:
When life does not unfold the way we hope, we might feel like the plan of happiness is not working.
Three principals we can learn when Peter walked out to Jesus on the water:
First, act in faith in Jesus Christ: you have already acted in faith by joining the church, speaking with Heavenly Father through prayer, reading the scriptures, and listening to conference. As President Nelson said, “Do not minimize the faith you already have.”
Second, in times of trouble, turn to Christ right away: “When we struggle—for any reason—that does not mean the plan isn’t working. That is when we need the plan the most!” The plan of happiness is also called the plan of redemption because Heavenly Father knew we would struggle and that we would need a savior to allow us to repent. Accept President Nelson’s invitation to “experience the strengthening power of daily repentance.” Coming unto Christ “means more than just thinking about Him or talking about Him or even loving Him. It means following Him. It means living the way He teaches us to live.”
Third, humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up to greater things: If we humbly put ourselves in a position where the Lord can lift and lead us, He will help us make the most of our abilities.
Questions to Ponder:
Is the plan of happiness working in your life?
When in your life have you exercised faith in Jesus Christ?
When you have struggles, do you tend to turn toward or away from Christ?
“What great things does the Lord want you to accomplish?”
Further Study:
Matthew 14: 24-31; Alma 32:16; D&C 12:8;
Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 67