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President Cordon addresses BYU-Idaho students, saying that the Lord “is willing to guide us if we will trust Him.”

Published by victor caleb on January 23rd, 2023.

‘Christ’s promise is certain; He will direct our paths if we commit ourselves to His care,’ says the Church’s Young Women general president addressing BYU-Idaho students.

Young Woman general president Bonnie H. Cordon has a favorite life hack. This tip, however, comes from the Bible rather than the internet since, according to her, “going to the scriptures for a life hack is considerably more reliable than social media.”

What is the life hack? “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding,” say two Old Testament scriptures. Recognize him in all thy ways, and he will direct thy steps.”

According to President Cordon, this verse in Proverbs 3:5-6 “has three crucial elements: first an invitation, a warning, and a promise,” all of which inspire readers to rely on the Lord’s guidance in their journeys.

“The Lord is anxious to guide us if we will trust Him,” she continues. “I can’t think of anyone greater to guide my life than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, President Cordon spoke to BYU-Idaho students and employees during the college’s second devotional of the winter 2023 semester. She talked about praising the Lord and following His divine guidance to realize one’s full potential.

President Bonnie H. Cordon reading Proverbs 3:5-6 from BYU-pulpit Idaho’s at the I-Center, with a screen behind her that says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Recognize him in all thy ways, and he will direct thy steps.”
Bonnie H. Cordon, General President of Young Women International, reads Proverbs 3:5-6.

The children of the 2000s
President Cordon stated, quoting Frank W. Boreham, an English Baptist preacher, that many people in 1809 were concentrated on hostilities in Europe. However, not as many people were aware that heroes such as Abraham Lincoln and Alfred Tennyson were born in the same year.

“Which of the 1809 conflicts was more important than the 1809 babies?” Boreham was quoted by President Cordon. “We imagine that God can only govern His world through large battalions… when He is doing it through adorable newborns.”

President Cordon displayed photographs of three babies born in 1940, the year the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain began. She stated that the images were of Elders Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and Quentin L. Cook, all of whom are now members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Which of the conflicts of 1940 meant more than the births of 1940?” President Cordon wondered.

She testified that members of the congregation can reach their full potential if they recognize Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know and love them.

“You are a force for good or ill, depending on the pathways you pick and the vision you see for yourself, the vision God sees of you,” President Cordon remarked.

President Cordon related the tale of Jared’s brother, who was directed in Ether 2:16 to build barges “according to the Lord’s directions.” However, these instructions were deficient in terms of light to see, air to breathe, and steering capabilities. “Why would a flawless God give them a half-finished blueprint?” President Cordon inquired.

“Maybe it wasn’t all about the light and the air, but the absence thereof was an opportunity for the brother of Jared to come to know Jesus Christ better as he sought revelation and more direction via prayer and diligent action,” she said. He got to know Jesus Christ through this procedure, my friends.”

The Jaredites “commend[ed] themselves unto the Lord their God,” according to Ether 6:4, putting their trust in God’s power to allow a safe delivery across the waters. In the midst of today’s hardships, President Cordon stated, one can similarly choose to trust in the Lord to guide one’s steps.

“Our challenges, struggles, and fears may be the very trigger for us to come to know our Savior better as we trust Him with all our hearts and commend ourselves to the Lord,” she said. She witnessed this spark as a college student years ago.

‘How come He didn’t direct my path?’

President Cordon was on track to become an elementary school teacher during her final year at BYU in Provo, Utah. However, during her student teaching, she discovered that she disliked being in the classroom.

“Didn’t the Lord know about that?” She stated. “How come He didn’t steer my course to another major?”

“Eventually a wonderful serenity came to [her] mind and heart, Bonnie, and you will have a career journey of delight,” she said as she prayed about it. Despite her first confusion, she resolved to place her trust in Christ every day.

She admits to “tears, trials, and uncertainties,” but she acknowledges that the Lord has not only directed her ways, but has also walked alongside her.

“As a graduating senior in college, I didn’t know where life would lead me, but I had trust,” President Cordon stated. ‘I dedicate myself to Thee, Lord,’ says faith. I’d like to focus on Your work.’ That one decision led to a life of far greater satisfaction than any career could ever have.”