The following is excerpted from the Church News. To read the full article, CLICK HERE

Exactly 200 days after armed conflict erupted in Eastern EuropeElder Quentin L. Cook promised Ukrainian Latter-day Saints that for those completely focused on the Savior, Jesus Christ, a brighter day will come.

“We are aware of the incredible challenges you are facing,” said Elder Cook, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Speaking during a member devotional originating in Riga, Latvia, and broadcast to Ukraine on Sunday, Sept. 11, Elder Cook said among the most frequently asked questions of Church leaders are: “Why does a just God allow bad things to happen, especially to good people?” and “Why are those who are righteous and in the Lord’s service not immune from such tragedies?”

Elder Cook said while Church leaders do not know all the answers, they do know important principles that allow God’s children to face tragedies “with faith and confidence that there is a bright future planned for each of us.”

Elder Cook’s message — given on the day that also marked the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists attacks in the United States — was also broadcast to Moldova as well as the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In addition to Elder Cook, Sister Mary Cook and Elder Kyrylo Pokhylko, an Area Seventy, also addressed the members.

In his remarks, titled “The Father’s Plan,” Elder Cook noted that one year before The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery what is now section 6 of the Doctrine and Covenants — sacred scripture that contains counsel for difficult times.

The verses remind the Lord’s people to “fear not,” “look unto me in every thought,” and to be faithful and keep the commandments “and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:34-37).

“Clearly, our heavenly destiny is not impacted when we suffer adversity,” said Elder Cook.

To read the full article, CLICK HERE