Sister Dibb: 'Be strong'
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Sister Ann M. Dibb, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, gave historical context to the theme of the General Young Women Meeting found in Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Sister Dibb explained that Joshua was a prophet called by God to help the children of Israel complete their "miraculous journey" after wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.
"[Joshua's] inspired leadership was greatly needed, because there were still many rivers to cross and battles to win before all that the Lord had promised to the children of Israel could be realized and obtained," she said.
Joshua and the children of Israel were able to inherit the land of promise "through their courage and obedience."
She continued, "In our day we, too, are striving to enter a 'land of promise.' Our greatest goal is to obtain eternal life with our Heavenly Father."
Sister Dibb spoke of four guides found in the first chapter of Joshua that can help young women overcome obstacles, complete their journey and enjoy the blessings of the Lord in their "land of promise."
The first guide is found in verse 5 when the Lord promises Joshua, "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
"We can find courage and strength in this promise that the Lord will always be there for us and will never leave us alone," Sister Dibb said. "As one of His precious daughters, you have access to His assurance and guidance through the power of prayer."
In the second guide, in verse 7, the Lord tells Joshua, "Observe to do according to all the law … turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."
"The Lord is instructing Joshua to be strictly obedient to the commandments, and not to deviate from the Lord's path," she said.
Verse 8 reveals the third guide as the Lord refers to a "book of the law" and directs Joshua to "meditate therein."
Sister Dibb said, "The Lord is instructing Joshua, and all of us, to read the scriptures. Daily scripture study, especially reading the Book of Mormon, establishes a firm foundation for your developing testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel."
The fourth guide is in verse 16 as the children of Israel tell Joshua, "All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go."
She said members of the Church "have the opportunity to make this same commitment to follow our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson," she said.
"Wherever you are, and whatever you may face, I hope you will take advantage of the guides found in the book of Joshua so that you can trust in the Lord's promise."
