Trek Prep Devotional - David Thuet

I've had three things on my mind that led me to a comforting scripture:

1) Adversity is real. This has been brought home to me by some family members and friends recently experiencing trials large enough to shake their faith.

2) Trek is an opportunity to catch a small glimpse in to one of the many trials the pioneers endured. Literally trekking across this country with nothing but a handcart and a burning faith that they were doing the Lord's will.

3) Faithfully following the living prophet will protect us against the the powers of darkness. This applies both to the pioneers and the many trials they endured, as well as to us today.

Doctrine & Covenants:

4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his [the prophet's] words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

 5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

 6 For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.

 7 For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.

As we look to our prophet and other leaders this weekend during General Conference, may we keep an ear tuned to how following their counsel, which is ultimately the Lord's counsel, will give us the strength to endure the storms that are being, and will be, pored out in these the last days. The Pioneers offer us a powerful example of literally following the prophet west, even at great sacrifice.