REXBURG—Elder James O. Fantone, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encouraged BYU-Idaho students to turn to Jesus Christ as they face challenges, reminding them they do not have to fight life’s battles alone.
During his devotional address, “The Battle is the Lord’s,” Elder Fantone compared challenges young adults face to the biblical story of David and Goliath.
In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, he said the inspiration for his message came from thinking about his father’s difficult conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the challenges facing young adults today.
“My father had his own battles, David had his own battles with Goliath and our young people today are having their share of battles as well,” Elder Fantone said.
Elder Fantone identified social media and pornography as examples of modern-day “Goliaths.” While the challenges facing each generation may change, he said the source of help remains the same: Jesus Christ.
He also emphasized the importance of consistently doing the small and simple things of the gospel. Prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, attending church and listening to prophets can provide strength before difficult moments arrive.
“I would say to our young people, never stop doing those small and simple things because those will be the ones to provide us with the strength when actually we need it the most,” Elder Fantone said in the interview.
Elder Fantone spoke from personal experience about relying on the Savior. He and his wife have experienced financial difficulties, job loss and the death of their young son. Elder Fantone recalled reaching a point after his son’s death when his grief became overwhelming and he turned to the Lord in prayer.
“That opportunity, at least for me, to feel His warm embrace and that He was there and that He understood what I was going through,” Elder Fantone said.
For students wondering how to balance their own efforts with relying on the Savior, Elder Fantone encouraged them to focus on giving their best effort and then exercise faith in what they cannot control.
Drawing from Mosiah 23 in The Book of Mormon, he explained that trials and eventual deliverance can be separated by a period of uncertainty. He described that in-between period as a “sacred space” where we can learn to trust Heavenly Father.
“We will be tried and we will be tested, but the Lord promises deliverance. But we need to trust that He will… and He will,” Elder Fantone said in the interview.
“We must all strive to become finishers,” Elder Fantone said in his devotional.
Elder Fantone said Alma 7:11-12 is one of his favorite scriptures to turn to during difficult times because it reminds him that the Savior understands his personal suffering and is ready to help carry those burdens.
Elder Fantone closed his devotional remarks with the following, “Young friends, you are never alone in this journey. Our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ will never leave you alone.”
His message to students was simple: whatever battle they may be facing, they do not have to face them by themselves.