President Ashton teaches that God hears us, and three BYU-Pathway students share how their prayers changed everything
Have you ever had a question where you couldn’t find the answer through an internet search or even by asking a trusted friend? These questions can be some of the most meaningful because they often lead us to God.
In a devotional filmed in the Sacred Grove, Brian K. Ashton, president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide , reflected on Joseph Smith asking God which church he should join.
He shared, “In 1820, our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith and answered one of the most important prayers ever offered. They restored sacred truths to the earth, inviting a flood of revelation that blesses God’s children today and proves that God does answer prayers.”
Like Joseph, you may have questions only God can answer. Three BYU-Pathway students share how God answered their prayers.
He will help you
Nancy Dangl from Mexico practiced English but was still nervous to take the English language assessment when applying to BYU-Pathway. Before starting, she said, “I knelt down in my car and prayed. I asked Heavenly Father that if it was His will, He would help me.”
Despite her fears, she kept going, question by question. “I felt the Holy Ghost and a feeling of peace came over me. I began to understand what I was reading.”
Nancy was thrilled to learn later that she’d been admitted to BYU-Pathway! Her experience reminds us that God hears our prayers and can help us accomplish our goals.
He will show you
“I prayed often and wondered if my circumstances would ever change,” said Eric Kakudji Ngoie of Likasi, Congo, after nearly 10 years of unstable employment.
Then Eric heard President Russell M. Nelson teach, “Now is the time we can learn. ... Now is the time we can bless others,”He began EnglishConnect , studying on a small phone with an unreliable internet connection. The journey wasn’t easy, but he persevered.
Then came Eric’s miracle. “During a job interview, I was asked a simple question: ‘Do you have an EnglishConnect certificate?’ When I presented it, I was hired.” Getting a better job changed everything for him and his family.
Eric asked God for help and then acted in faith. With each step, God showed him the next.
He will lead you
Jennifer Marie Del Rosario from the Philippines felt overwhelmed by the many responsibilities that come with raising a family. Her fears brought her to God.
“I kneeled in prayer and cried my heart out to God asking, ‘What should I do?’ I got no immediate answer, but I felt better.
“Then one day, two sister missionaries came. They led me and my family to Christ and His true Church. My life completely changed, and so did my family.”
Jennifer’s responsibilities may not have gone away, but the peace and hope she found in the gospel of Jesus Christ gave her extra strength. Prayers may not be immediately answered, but they are never forgotten.
Your questions matter to God
President Ashton counsels, “I invite you to follow Joseph Smith’s example and act in faith. Search the scriptures for answers, ponder God’s will for you, kneel and pray, and ask God.”
Your questions can lead you to God, and your experiences with Him can change your life.
Watch President Ashton’s full devotional filmed in the Sacred Grove, and consider praying about your next steps with BYU-Pathway.