Sep 4, 2023

“​​The devil has great power; he will so transform things as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God,” recorded Wilford Woodruff in 1842, quoting Joseph Smith.¹ How much more applicable is that in 2023? We live in a confusing time. Many things are distorted to make us believe that good is evil and evil is good.

As I see an increasing number of partial truths and blatant lies in every form of media, I am struck by how much I need to rely on the guidance of the Spirit to make it through. I am also saddened to see those I love struggle to find and hold to the truth.

Paul taught the Corinthians in a time of conflicting ideas and opinions as well. But he reminded them in 1 Corinthians 14:33 that “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” We can receive clarity and peace through our Heavenly Father to help us through the confusion we face.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”² As we turn to God, we can receive personalized guidance and direction to help ourselves and those we love through the pervasive confusion in our world. When you feel as though others persecute or gape at you for doing the will of God, take heart and remember that our Father in Heaven is the author of clarity and peace; He will give us everything we need to thrive in these last days.