I am so grateful for the semi-annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This week I studied a talk from the general women's meeting Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth By Cheryl A. Esplin.
"When filled with the Spirit and with gospel truth, we have the power to withstand the outside forces of the world that surround and push against us. However, if we are not filled spiritually, we don’t have the inner strength to resist the outside pressures and can collapse when forces push against us. Satan knows that in order for us and our families to withstand the pressures of the world, we must be filled with light and gospel truth. So he does everything in his power to dilute, distort, and destroy the truth of the gospel and to keep us separated from that truth...Strong eternal families and Spirit-filled homes do not just happen. They take great effort, they take time, and they take each member of the family doing his or her part. Every home is different, but every home where even one individual seeks for truth can make a difference. We are continually counseled to increase our spiritual knowledge through prayer and through studying and pondering the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. In his general conference talk about receiving a testimony of light and truth...we live in a world of many doubters and critics who ridicule and oppose the truths we hold dear. We may hear confusing stories and conflicting messages...we will have to do our best to hold on to whatever light and truth we currently have, especially in difficult circumstances. The answers to our prayers may not come dramatically, but we must find quiet moments to seek greater light and truth. And when we receive it, it is our responsibility to live it, to share it, and to defend it...I know as we fill our hearts and homes with the Savior’s light and truth, we will have the inner strength to withstand in every circumstance."
I echo Sister Esplin's testimony. Life is easier to experience with whatever light and truth we have. As we seek more light and truth through scripture study, prayer, and gospel living, we receive more strength to withstand the crushing pressures of the world and the adversary. We cannot fail or fall if we are buoyed up by the Spirit.
