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God’s plan is for you
Before you came to earth, you lived with your heavenly parents. You are their beloved child. In heaven, you learned about God’s plan for His family. You received this plan joyfully because it would help you grow and progress to become more like God by receiving a physical body, being part of an earthly family, and experiencing life on earth. Some of these experiences would be difficult. Our Father knew this, so as part of His plan, He sent a Savior, Jesus Christ, to help you. We call this the plan of salvation or the plan of happiness.
Eternal Truths
Heavenly Father is the author of the plan. He is the Father of your spirit, and He loves you. He wants to give you His greatest blessing—eternal life with Him. In other words, He wants you to become more like Him and live the joyful, glorious life He lives. He has all power and knows all things. You can trust Him, even when life is hard.
Jesus Christ makes the plan possible. Before the world was created, Heavenly Father chose Him to be your Savior. Jesus Christ is the only one who can bring you back to your Father in Heaven. This is why we choose to follow Him. Everything depends on that choice!
Marriage and family are essential to God’s plan. You are part of the family of God, and all of His spirit children come to earth through a mother and a father. God wants His daughters and sons to progress together toward eternal perfection. Men and women each contribute equally to a loving, unified marriage. Family life here on earth—even with all its imperfections—can bring great joy. It is meant to help prepare you for eternal life with God.
Invitations
Keep an eternal perspective. Whenever you face temptations, trials, disappointments, or difficult choices, remind yourself of God’s plan. See how the eternal truths you know about His plan can help you look at your challenges differently.
Look for God’s hand in your life. Notice ways God is blessing you. It might be a kind act from someone, a moment of peace, or an answer to prayer.
Choose to follow God’s plan. Learn about what your Heavenly Father wants you to do. Seek His guidance as you study the scriptures, words of living prophets, the family proclamation, and your patriarchal blessing. This will help you prepare to serve the Lord, as a missionary and throughout your life. Make service to the Lord, eternal marriage, and raising children a high priority. Do your part to have a happy family now by following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Promised Blessings
You can face life’s trials with courage and hope in Christ. Because you know about God’s eternal plan, you have a valuable tool that can help you during hard times. You know that there’s much more to life than what happens between birth and death. You know who you really are, what your purpose is, and who you can become with the Savior’s help. Jesus Christ is your strength!
You can receive eternal life as you follow Jesus Christ. He will give you power to become more like Him, return to your heavenly parents, and live in joy with your loved ones eternally. Trust Jesus Christ.
Questions and Answers
Why is life so hard sometimes? How can I find strength? Your experiences in this life—even the most difficult ones—can be for your good. They can help you grow and progress as you turn to the Savior. There is nothing you’re going through that Jesus Christ doesn’t understand because of His atoning sacrifice. He knows exactly how to help you. Focus your life on Him, and He will lift you above all doubts and fears.
Sometimes, the idea of happiness in family and marriage seems so far away. How can I find confidence? Whatever your situation, don’t give up on Heavenly Father’s plan. He will not give up on you. If you are faithful to the Savior and your covenants, you will find answers in the teachings of Jesus Christ. He understands everything you experience. Through Him, you will gain strength to obey God’s commandments and receive the blessings He promises. Trust Him and His gospel.
See 2 Nephi 9:13 (how great is the plan of our God!); Mosiah 2:41 (those who keep the commandments can live with God in never-ending happiness); Alma 12:28–34 (God made the plan of redemption known to His children); Abraham 3:22–26 (God’s plan included sending us to earth, where we could choose for ourselves to follow His commandments).
Temple Recommend Question
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Do you have faith in and a testimony of God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost?