He who is our Savior slumbers not nor sleeps

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood Session of the April 1994 Conference.

President Hinckley seems to have had a really great ability to keep things in perspective. People always talk about his optimism, and I guess that is kind of the same thing—but it wasn't an optimism that didn't notice the church's opposition. He noticed; he just didn't WORRY about it. Ha! Maybe you have to develop that ability when you're in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or the First Presidency. I've just been thinking about Elder Holland this week and feeling so bad about all the people who are criticizing him. It helps me feel better to read the words of President Hinckley, who saw plenty of contention during his time as an apostle, and I'm sure endured just as many criticisms:

God is at the helm. Never doubt it. When we are confronted with opposition, He will open the way when there appears to be no way. Our individual efforts may be humble and appear somewhat insignificant. But the accumulated good works of all, laboring together with a common purpose, will bring to pass great and wondrous accomplishments. The world will be a better place for our united service. Our people will be a happy people, a blessed people, a people whose shepherd is our Lord, leading us through pastures green and peaceful, if we will walk after His pattern and in His light.

Let not any voices of discontent disturb you. Let not the critics worry you.…

He who is our Savior slumbers not nor sleeps as He watches over this His kingdom.

As surely as this is the work of the Lord, there will be opposition. There will be those, perhaps not a few, who with the sophistry of beguiling words and clever design will spread doubt and seek to undermine the foundation on which this cause is established. They will have their brief day in the sun. They may have for a brief season the plaudits of the doubters and the skeptics and the critics. But they will fade and be forgotten as have their kind in the past.

Meanwhile, we shall go forward, regardless of their criticism, aware of but undeterred by their statements and actions. Said the Lord even before the Church was organized:

“Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. …

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

“Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.”