I love President Russell M. Nelson. He is the Lord’s prophet and representative. I feel encouraged and inspired to strive to be a better person when I read and study his words. I am in awe of his manner of teaching. His talks provide a step-by-step process to help me become stronger, increase faith, and become more reliant on the Lord’s guidance.
I often think of President Nelson being like Lehi as he called to his family to come to the tree of life. He is trying to teach and show the way to Jesus Christ. His counsel and efforts aim to help us find safety and peace.
President Nelson gives homework that is always directed at assisting our progress toward becoming more Christ-like and more able to discern and withstand the evils of our day. His overall assignment from the April 2021 general conference is, “My dear brothers and sisters, my call to you this Easter morning is to start today to increase your faith” (“Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, May 2021, 49). Then, he outlines the key steps we need to take to build a sure foundation to support us as we strive to increase our faith.
Study
The first step outlined by President Nelson is: “First, study. Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ's mission and ministry (“Christ Is Risen,” 50). My faith has been fortified as I have studied the life and the words of President Nelson. My day is enriched when I study and ponder on the mission of Jesus Christ. Obstacles become less overwhelming, and a feeling of calmness and peace fills my mind and heart.
Believe
“Second, choose to believe in Jesus Christ. …Allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery” (“Christ Is Risen,” 50). Each day I make a conscious choice to believe in Jesus Christ as I seek to #HearHim and follow His plan for me.
Act in Faith
To complete this task, President Nelson invites us to ask and do the following: “What would you do if you had more faith? Think about it. Write about it. Then receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith” (“Christ Is Risen,” 51). I often face challenges that require great faith. I have learned to pray and then trust the Lord that whatever happens He will help me, and He does. I am learning that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Partake of Sacred Ordinances Worthily
President Nelson shares that “Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life” (“Christ Is Risen,” 51). I look forward to the day when the precautions necessitated by the coronavirus are lessened so I may once again participate in partaking of the sacrament and temple ordinances. In the meantime, I feel the power of God in my life as I strive to stay on the covenant path. Thoughts and reflections of Jesus Christ during my day bring forth the blessing of enabling power from heaven.
Ask with Faith
“Fifth, ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, for help. …Ask and then ask again” (“Christ Is Risen,” 51). I am grateful for this reminder to keep asking. I know that as I do the help will come. The Lord is abundant in His love, care and support. He is patient and kind as I ask repeatedly for help to face recurring challenges.
I am grateful for a living prophet, the life he has lived, and the struggles he has faced. He is grateful whether the sun shines or facing downpours of rain.
His humility is manifested in his desire to continue studying and striving to hear the Lord’s voice in his 90s. His forward-looking perspective encourages me to look forward past my challenges.
I am willing to follow the prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, as I strive to apply his counsel to increase my faith. He knows the way because he has walked it before me.
President Nelson wants us to be strong and capable. His desire is the Lord’s desire: to enable us to be blessed with Christ’s enduring power. President Nelson is showing us the way in word and deed by leading us to the source of all goodness—our Saviour, Redeemer, and Friend—Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ and His prophet are filled with abundant love for each of us. May you feel of that love as you follow the prophet. He will guide us. I know, “In this there is safety and peace” (“Keep the Commandments,” Hymns, no. 303).