Preparing the World for the Savior's Second Coming

I read a really good article in the current Ensign (April 2020) by our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.  I will link the article below.  I pulled some of the quotes that stood out to me the most to post here.  But click on the link at the end to read the entire article. Enjoy!

Quotes from President Nelson's article:

"Today, the Lord’s work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is moving forward at an accelerated pace. The Church will have an unprecedented, unparalleled future. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, … the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also Doctrine and Covenants 76:10).

"Remember that the fulness of Christ’s ministry lies in the future. The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled. We are just building up to the climax of this last dispensation—when the Savior’s Second Coming becomes a reality."

"The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7)."

"The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment."

"Spiritual security will always depend upon how one lives, not where one lives. I promise that if we will do our best to exercise faith in Jesus Christ and access the power of His Atonement through repentance, we will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord."

"Meanwhile, here and now, we live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.

"Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.

"How you deal with life’s trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. As you walk in the Lord’s path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people (see Doctrine and Covenants 86:8–11).

"Do whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth.  Anchored in pure doctrine, you will be able to step forward with faith and dogged persistence and cheerfully do all that lies in your power to fulfill the purposes of the Lord.

"You will have days when you will be discouraged. So pray for courage not to give up! Sadly, some who you thought were your friends will betray you. And some things will simply seem unfair.

"However, I promise you that as you follow Jesus Christ, you will find sustained peace and true joy. As you keep your covenants with increasing precision, and as you defend the Church and kingdom of God on the earth today, the Lord will bless you with strength and wisdom to accomplish what only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can accomplish."

-- "The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior's Second Coming", President Russell M. Nelson, April 2020 Ensign

This counsel should not be taken lightly.  These are prophetic words from a living prophet.  Prophecy that will be fulfilled.  We would all be wise to heed this counsel from our living prophet.

We live in last days.  We are preparing the world for the Lord's Second Coming.  We are in the midst of a pandemic.  There is much more turmoil ahead.  We know this because it's prophesied.  There will be more natural disasters, more devastating pandemics, more family crises, more attacks on our faith, etc.  Yet we need not fear.  We have been warned.  If we heed the Prophet's counsel, we will be prepared.

I do not fear this current pandemic.  (And if anyone should fear it, it's me, because even the common cold could kill me).  But I don't fear because I am prepared.

Remember who you are.  Strengthen your faith.  Follow the prophet and heed his counsel. More difficult days are ahead.  But if we stay on the covenant path and continue strengthening our faith, there's no need to fear.

That's my two cents.