Covenants

This week we were learning about covenants and ordinances.As the pioneers left their homes and lives they had built in Nauvoo, itt was the fire of the covenant burned into the hearts that gave them the strength to keep going. I cannot imagine how difficult it would have been for them to leave their home. If the fire of the covenant gave them the strength to do that, I must be subject to the same kind of strength if I also have the fire of the covenants that I have made burned into my heart.It is Satan's main purpose to deter children of God away from their salvation. We must be mindful of this and remember to do all that we can to thwart him. Making covenants is an important step in the ladder of our salvation. But after making these covenants we must return to the temple often, and continue to strengthen our relationship with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and our families. Bruce C. Hafen said, "May we restore the concept of marriage as a covenant, even the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. And when the wolf comes, may we be as shepherds, not hirelings, willing to lay down our lives, a day at a time, for the sheep of our covenant. Then, like Adam and Eve, we will have joy."Eternal marriage does not come easy. We must stand strong in our faith just to get to the temple. Making the covenants and performing the ordinances in the temple do not ensure our safety from "the wolf." Satan will work very hard to destroy a marriage that has been bound in Heaven. Although I fully believe this to be true, I find great comfort in the words from the apostles and prophets of God regarding the power of God we can receive if we make and keep our covenants.Elder D. Todd Christofferson stated that we will be, "Strengthened by Gifts and Blessings", "Strengthened with Increased Faith" and "Strengthened through the “Power of Godliness." I know that these promises are true and eternal. These promises give me the comfort and strength I need to endure the trials in my life. What these promises mean to me is that if I do the best I can to make and keep sacred covenants, the Lord will bless me with everything that I need to obtain salvation for myself. As my husband does the same, we will both be blessed with the resources we need to obtain exaltation. I cannot think of anything more beautiful and comforting than these promises made to all men. Keeping covenants that we have made let God know that we are serious and that we can be trusted with the blessings he is continually providing for us.