Moses 6:34 "And thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me"

Jake was asked by one of his seminary teachers to comment on the 2025 Youth theme of "Walk with Me". This is Jake's response to that request and it is just so good that it needs a permanent home with the rest of his letters...

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In Moses 6 we read a very ernest expression of Enoch's doubt, humility, and fears, but also of his faith and trust in God. He says: 

"Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?" 

More simply stated, Enoch feels unqualified and unfit for the position. He may have thought that God, in His divine accounting, must have made an error because, he of all the people, was the most incapable for the job.  How often do we feel inadequate, unloved or looked over? Do we often look around and assume that others have it figured out, while we are left overwhelmed? What does the Lord promise to Enoch, and to the rest of us when such anxieties and doubts arises?

32 Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands

34 Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

First, He gives us an invitation. He says to open our mouths; to take a step to do as He has commanded us. His promise is that He will do the rest. He will give us utterance. He will gives us His spirit. He will justify and qualify us and, more than all of that, He will walk beside us. 

In my mission I have, at times, felt like Enoch. I have felt, weak, insufficient, anxious, even at times, stupid. Out of all those who could be called to be your servant, why would you pick me? But I have also felt the Lord's direct and comforting response. As I have tried to do all in my power to fulfill the calling that I was given, I have received additional, comforting, reassuring, and  qualifying power. 

On my mission I have spent much time walking with my companions. In the best case scenario, he is at my side - I match his pace, I listen to what he says, and I adjust according to his gate and those around us. But at times, I have gone ahead or been left behind, I lose them between people, and have to take time to stop and reconnect. Walking with the Lord is not a passive endeavor. It requires adjustment, humility, and patience. Sometimes, in moments of pride, it feels He is walking too slow. Other times, we are anxious that we cannot maintain the pace He has set forth. In both case scenarios, as we walk with Him, by following His commandments, fulfilling our covenants, and accepting and magnifying our callings, we will be made more like Him. We will be changed and qualified for the greatest of all blessing, that to enter into His sacred presence. He is our perfect example, our Savior and captain. It our greatest of privileges to choose to walk beside Him.

Elder Dougall