Constants amidst Change

Many new years have passed me. The season is just beautiful. A week after Christmas, we celebrate and welcome a new year. My heart is filled with gratitude for God to yet make me see another year. I have seen many things in these many years. I see the time is moving fast. There is not much to time to accomplish things. Responsibilities have increased. Expenses have increased. Hope for the future has increased. Satan’s power increases. Amidst all these, there are some constants that have marked my life. These constants have been an anchor in my life to keep me strong in the gospel. I wish to share these constants that have strengthened and given hope for the future.

My first constant is an abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I read John 17:3, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent.” This verse has sustained me always to help me know that God and Jesus Christ are there and that with faith I can move forward. I have to “know” Jesus, and that will happen only if I “search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). I have to read the scriptures so I can “know” Jesus to follow Him.

The second constant is to believe in the restored gospel. I am always grateful for Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, visiting the Prophet Joseph Smith to restore that gospel. What a blessing it is. The gospel holds so many promises and blessings for me. I am grateful for modern-­day prophets to lead us and the temples to be an anchor. How blessed I am for these gifts of a loving Heavenly Father to help us. The plan of salvation gives me a solid foundation to know I am here on this earth for a purpose. This purpose has helped me to know that life on this earth is only to prepare myself to go back to God’s presence.

The third constant is to serve in the Lord’s kingdom. I have never missed a chance to serve in Church callings. I have always given my best in my callings because I know I have a responsibility to build the kingdom of God.

These constants have shaped my life to be in the straight and narrow path. As I welcome another year, I know there will be challenges that I have to face, but I am grateful there is a God who loves me and will guide me. With this assurance, I can confidently step into another beautiful year.