BYU-Pathway Worldwide Devotional
“You Are Important in the Lord's Plan”
I congratulate you on taking this significant step to fulfill the Lord’s counsel to study, learn, and progress. Some of you may wonder if you will be able to fulfill the Lord’s commandment to study, learn, and progress with your studies through BYU-Pathway.
A recent study looking at older university students found common worries and concerns, including worries or concerns about getting help with technology or help from faculty. There are also individual concerns, such as fear of failure or a negative attitude about your intellectual ability. As the research suggests, “Adult learners may feel uneasy and may lack confidence in themselves and their abilities to succeed in the classroom."When I have had something to do that seemed impossible or difficult, I have found great comfort in what Nephi said to his father, Lehi, after being given a very difficult assignment — to obtain the record from Laban.
“I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."Did you notice that Nephi testified that the Lord will prepare a way for you to accomplish all of His commandments? This includes His commandment to “seek learning” by study and faith.
The leaders of the Church are proud of your efforts to improve your skills and talents. Your decision to obtain an education through BYU-Pathway Worldwide is a very important one!
Remember what the Lord told Hyrum Smith and the first missionaries: “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men [and women]."You are following a sacred pattern of studying and learning so you can bless those around you. Through your diligent efforts to progress through BYU-Pathway classes, you will be better brothers and sisters, better husbands and wives, parents, employees, employers, neighbors and community members, and better disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
You should take great satisfaction in what you are doing at BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Remember, you are part of a great inspired education program that stretches around the world. BYU-Pathway is an important part of the complete Church Educational System.
As you fulfill the Lord’s commandment to prepare to serve your families, neighbors, and God’s children, the Lord will provide you with additional blessings. As the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his [or her] diligence and obedience than another, he [or she] will have so much the advantage in the world to come."As you choose to use your time wisely, learn from your teachers and mentors, study with a prayer in your heart, and diligently apply the skills and talents the Lord has given you, you will take all that you have learned and experienced with you after you depart this life. You won’t take your home, car, or any money, or other personal possessions. They will all be left behind, but you will take what you learn and experience through your gospel study at BYU-Pathway.
Think about that! You are investing now for eternity that lies ahead. I urge you to finish this educational journey you have begun — no matter what challenges you may face. Seek counsel and help, as needed, and you will feel a great sense of accomplishment that will help you in this life, as well as in the life to come.
I testify that your Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you personally and have given you this opportunity of participating in BYU-Pathway Worldwide to help you improve your skills and talents to bless you, your family, and others around you. The Church always needs your faithful service. Through the education you are striving to receive now, you are being prepared to serve our Heavenly Father and His children throughout your life.
May the Lord bless you as you strive to learn and prepare to be everything Heavenly Father wants you to be as you study and prepare through BYU-Pathway Worldwide, is my prayer for each and every one of you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.