When all hope seems lost, where can we turn? When we feel we are too damaged to return to the fold, how can our Father in Heaven lovingly repair our broken spirits?
Photo by Mingheras Cosmin
Most of us are familiar with the parable of the lost sheep. It is typically used as an example of reaching out to those who are lost or wandering. Does this parable apply to us if we feel lost in our faith? If we were once a part of the fold but cannot find our way home, is there hope for us still?
In his general conference address “He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf assures us: “Our Savior, the Good Shepherd, knows and loves us. He knows and loves you. He knows when you are lost, and He knows where you are. He knows your grief. Your silent pleadings. Your fears. Your tears. It matters not how you became lost—whether because of your own poor choices or because of circumstances beyond your control. What matters is that you are His child. And He loves you. He loves His children.”
There have been many times in my life when I have felt confused and adrift, and those times may come again. If we are lost, what must we do to be found? It is essential that we turn to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. That is all he requires of us. With faith, obedience, and hope, all things are possible. What joy this knowledge brings!
“If you will only lift up your heart to the Savior of the world, He will find you,” President Uchtdorf promises. “He will rescue you. He will lift you up and place you on His shoulders. He will carry you home.”
Christ’s love and forgiveness are constant and everlasting. He wants us to return home to the fold, safe and sound. Although we all go through times of doubt, we should never doubt Christ’s love for us, no matter the choices we have made. We are all worthy of rescue. With Christ as our guide, we can all return home to our loving Father in Heaven.
Read President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s full conference address “He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home.”
Source: LDS General Conference
—Cynthia Chan, Mormon Insights
feature image by luke ellis-craven
Find more insights
Learn more about our Savior’s earthly ministry in Elder Dale G. Renlund‘s conference address “Our Good Shepherd.”
Read more about finding hope even in the darkest of times in Elder Mark A. Bragg’s conference address “Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day.”