From YA Weekly
I Was Trapped in My Situation. God Made a Way Forward
When my brother and I were left with our parents’ debt, we didn’t know how we would ever build a better future.
After our mom passed away unexpectedly, my brother and I weren’t just grieving—we were also left facing a financial crisis.
Our father had died years before, and while our mom raised us, she had often lent others money during their times of need. Unfortunately, her generosity resulted in her not having enough money to pay her own debt, leaving my brother and me responsible for paying off her loans.
Both of us were still finishing our studies and hadn’t started working, so we were anxious about paying off the debt while also covering our monthly expenses.
We didn’t know what to do, so we turned to Heavenly Father for help.
Finding the Way Forward
After many prayers, my brother and I felt inspired to ask for financial advice from friends who were good with budgeting. We had been considering selling our house because we didn’t have enough money to pay for it and our loans each month. But with their help, we decided to sell valuables in our home to make payments until I graduated and found a job.
Somehow, we always had enough money to make our loan payments.
Despite this miracle, sometimes I still got discouraged. I was working a lot and wanted to move on with my own life. I had my own dreams, including serving a mission, which seemed impossible even if we managed to pay off this debt.
I prayed to Heavenly Father and told Him my desire to go. I promised Him I would do whatever I could from my end to make it happen, and I asked Him to show me the way so I could go and serve.
I had a testimony of self-reliance and tithing, but it was really tempting to not pay a full tithe until we’d resolved our debt. But I tried to remember the promised blessings of putting the Lord first, and we paid the full amount (see Malachi 3:10–11). I also found hope in these words from the Lord: “It is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:15).
Ultimately, I kept trusting Heavenly Father’s timing, practicing patience, and believing that He cared about my life.
Hard Work Plus Heavenly Help Brings Miracles
Eventually my brother also got a job after graduating. We continued being mindful of spending, putting any extra money we had toward the seemingly never-ending debt.
After four years, we made our last payment on the loans. I couldn’t believe it—we had somehow managed to live, finish our studies, and pay off these debts in time. It was freeing to no longer feel that financial burden on my shoulders. I knew Heavenly Father had helped us.
It was truly a miracle.
Through this experience, I learned that the Lord will magnify our efforts when we have faith and work hard. As He promises us, “I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:88).
When my circumstances seemed impossible, the Lord provided a way (see 1 Nephi 3:7).
Patiently Waiting on the Lord
As young adults, sometimes we might be waiting on the Lord for a change of circumstances. Maybe we’re facing struggles in our family, looking for a new job or opportunity, or just really needing to know where to go next. I don’t know why we must wait for blessings at times, but I do know that Heavenly Father is aware of our circumstances and our desires.
After my steady, consistent efforts and the miracles of the Lord, I eventually was able to serve a mission. The moment I realized this was within my reach was such a miracle. I had seen no way to make this happen, but I knew my prayers had been answered.
President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, counseled:
“Face your personal challenges knowing that with faith, things work out in the end. …
“… I bless you, plead with you, to patiently persevere as your Father in Heaven, in His wisdom, finds the best way to frequently give you what you ask but to unfailingly give you what you need.”
I’m still trying to figure out where to go next in life. Sometimes when we are waiting on the Lord, it can be hard to see His hand in our lives. But I know that with unfailing faith in Him, you will know that He is not absent—that He doesn’t vanish in your time of need. Instead, He is with you, guiding you one step at a time, toward the brighter future you’re working for.
Believe that He will make a way forward. He did for me.