Brigham Young University devotional: 'God did not put us here to fail'
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"God did not put us here to fail," Elder Jon M. Huntsman Sr., an Area Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, prominent businessman and philanthropist, told BYU students during the university's weekly devotional Nov. 10, in the Marriott Center.
"I would say to you, have faith in yourself — believe in what you are doing and most importantly, be a person of integrity," said Elder Huntsman. "It is totally up to you and no one else how your life evolves."
Elder Huntsman spoke of the personal responsibility each individual has in shaping his or her own future, and the importance of goal setting and hard work.
"What we become, who we are and the footprint we will leave in life is based entirely on our own determination, hard work, education and sacrifice," he said. "Our Heavenly Father expects the best from each of us. We must believe in ourselves."
Elder Huntsman told the students to work hard and show integrity in all aspects of their life, regardless of prosperous or hard times.
"Don't give in when the going gets rough," he said. "You are laying the foundation of a great work, and that great work is your life. Never cut corners, demean other people or waste time 'hanging out.' Decide who you are and what your goals entail — then go for the roses. Life has little regard for those who waste time."
Drawing from the scripture in 2 Nephi 2:25 where Lehi tells his son Jacob that "men are that they might have joy," Elder Huntsman spoke of the importance of following one's own dream, no matter the obstacles or difficulty of the task. Remembering his college years, he spoke of when he realized he needed to study hard to reach his dreams.
"Making dreams become reality requires great sacrifice and determination," he said. "Most people are content to just coast along. Many really don't like to apply their talents and abilities or to put in long hours of work. But to achieve any dream and to make something truly remarkable happen in our lives, we must face adversity head on and we must overcome all of the obstacles in our pathway."
The world today is filled with significant obstacles everywhere, he said. Attempted suicide, pornography, drug abuse, eating disorders, sexual identity and addictions of various forms and disguises plague society, making some feel as though they cannot fulfill their dreams. But, Elder Huntsman said, these are only momentary setbacks. There is a road to recovery that many can and have traveled through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Another challenge facing individuals today is the economy, and some of the problems of losing homes and jobs. Despite the setbacks, there is much to be learned during times of adversity, Elder Huntsman said.
"Many of us here today are either going through one of the valleys of life, or will someday experience one of those challenges or moments of adversity," he said. "Remember that adversity determines our character."
Looking to Joseph Smith as an example of weathering difficulty, Elder Huntsman spoke of the character formed and need for integrity during lessons of trial and challenge. These experiences in life are intended to make us better — not bitter, he said.
"Always keep in mind, nothing meaningful can come your way without integrity, and integrity is often challenged by adversity," he said. "Be creative, work hard and surround yourself with bright, honest people. Be a straight shooter and follow your dreams. But above all else, believe in yourself, and between you and the Lord, your dreams can and will come true, and in your pursuit of your dream, never, never forget others."
