"The best is yet to be"

I'd like to take a moment to share some words that have inspired me lately. I've been reading through the talks that were given at my church's general conference last month and have been impressed by many inspiring, hopeful messages. Elder L. Tom Perry, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints gave a talk about dealing with the stresses of life. He said, "Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: The best is yet to be. We can't predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come." How great to hear such optimistic words. The scriptures teach us that fear does not come from God. During such troubling times, Satan wants us to be scared because fear dwindles our faith and takes away our joy. Another leader of my church, Elder Neil L. Andersen taught that "Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision." Sometimes we may be feeling fearful, but we need to choose faith, for that is the road that will bring salvation. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and in His plan, through the Atonement of Christ, His promises will be fulfilled. I know that truly the best is yet to be.