Sister Wright Teaches the Importance of Following the Prophet

 
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By Rachel Sterzer Gibson, Church News
 

Sister Amy A. Wright issued a simple yet compelling invitation and admonishment to students of Brigham Young University–Idaho: “Follow the prophet. He knows the way.”

In speaking during a campus devotional in the I-Center on the Rexburg, Idaho, campus on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Sister Wright encouraged listeners to review the most recent counsel offered by the living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.

To begin her remarks, Sister Wright recalled walking the beautiful mosaic tile paths of Ephesus on a trip with her family when her children were young.

To the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul wrote of “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).

Sister Wright said she has often wondered what that scripture meant to the Ephesians. But “I can tell you what I think it means today,” she told listeners.

In the last days, Lucifer has enormous influence in the air. “He is infecting homes and minds and hearts through the air, through Wi-Fi, using all kinds of technology — most specifically smartphones. Truly one of his greatest influences, his greatest power and potential for harm, is found in the air.”

That might sound scary, Sister Wright noted; however, Christ declared, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30).

 
But what exactly are Latter-day Saints preparing for? “If we want to know what the world is going to be like right before the Savior comes again, we simply need to read about what the world was like right before He came and visited the people in ancient America,” Sister Wright said.

She then reviewed 3 Nephi 6–7, remarking that there were disputes. She noted that people were lifted up in pride and boasting of their riches and were distinguished by rank. There was great inequality. People were seeking power and authority. They willfully rebelled against God, condemned the prophets, defied the law and yielded themselves to the power of Satan. They were not united in their laws or manner of government. There was great contention, and the people turned from the Lord, cast out the prophets and were angry with Nephi the prophet.

“Does any of this sound familiar? Does this sound like our day?” Sister Wright asked. To those who then wonder how to successfully navigate the challenges of the last days, Sister Wright suggested again reviewing 3 Nephi 6–7 but focusing on what the righteous were doing.

The righteous were humble, penitent, firm, steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments, she said. There were men called to testify boldly of the redemption and resurrection of Christ. Nephi the prophet taught with power and great authority and was able to perform miracles. Many were baptized unto repentance.

“In summary, the people of ancient America who were successfully navigating the challenges of their day, in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ, made and kept sacred covenants and heeded the words of a living prophet,” Sister Wright said. “This is where they found peace, safety, guidance and comfort amidst the tumult of their day. They were a people who sought for the good and found it. They found it in the prophetic guidance and counsel of a living prophet.”

 
Hear Him

Sister Wright then focused her remarks on one of the recent prophetic priorities of President Nelson: how to hear the voice of the Lord.

In his first general conference address as President of the Church, President Nelson declared, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

Sister Wright noted that President Nelson did not say that it would be difficult or challenging, but impossible.

“My young friends, if you do not know how the Holy Ghost speaks to you, I invite you to seek out places where you know the Spirit of the Lord is present,” Sister Wright said.

Listen to wholesome music, study the scriptures and words of living prophets, serve others, partake worthily of the sacrament and worship in the house of the Lord. “Then, stop, listen, ponder and ask yourself, ‘What am I thinking? What am I feeling right now?’”

Sister Wright recalled several years ago, as she was battling an aggressive cancer, she collapsed on the couch, trembling and depleted. Blisters filled her throat and mouth, and although she was hungry, she couldn’t bear the thought of chewing or swallowing. Just as she was asking God if He cared about her misery, a sister dropped off a half-melted Frosty. “It was the perfect consistency and melted just enough where I could swallow with little effort and yet still cold enough for it to be soothing as it went down.”

Sister Wright said she found out later that this sister had been following a prompting from the Holy Ghost. “How grateful I am for this ministering angel who had the faith to listen to the promptings of the Spirit and the courage to act.”

In the final battle for souls, individuals must know how the Holy Ghost speaks individually, personally, uniquely to them, and then have the faith and courage to act, Sister Wright declared. “Doing so will not only be a tremendous blessing of peace and safety in our lives but can also have eternal consequences in the lives of those we love.”

 
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