
You can watch Sister Freeman’s talk here.
Summary:
President Freeman teaches that life naturally includes both “best days” and “worst days,” and both are part of God’s plan for our growth. Using the experiences of the Apostle Peter, she shows that:
- Testimony is built gradually over time, not in a single moment
- The Lord invites us to act in faith—even when we feel inadequate
- Jesus Christ is always near, especially in our hardest moments
She emphasises that Christ does not remove all difficulty but walks with us through it, and because of Him, our future is filled with hope. Ultimately, both joyful and painful experiences shape who we are becoming.
Key quotes and questions to discuss or ponder
‘Isn’t it amazing how you can go from best day to worst day in a matter of minutes?’ (Paragraph 2)
Why do you think God allows both “best days” and “worst days” in our lives?
‘I have learned that God allows mortality to do its work in us—and that includes both best days and worst days.’ (Paragraph 3)
How does mortality allow God to do His work in us?
‘The story of Peter teaches us that strength comes as we walk with Christ and hold fast to His eternal truths.’ (Paragraph 4)
How have you found strength through walking with Christ?
‘From Peter’s story we learn that our understanding of eternal truth is not forged in a single moment—testimony is built over time, day after day, both best days and worst.’ (Paragraph 11)
How do we build testimony day after day?
‘Have you ever accepted an invitation from the Lord and then felt unequal to the task? We all know what it is to doubt, to experience sinking moments. But notice where Jesus was when Peter accepted the invitation that seemed too big. He wasn’t shouting instructions from the shore or offering advice from the safety of the boat. He was in the water—with Peter. Within reaching distance.’ (Paragraph 17)
When have you felt invited by the Lord to do something difficult?
‘Sometimes we may wonder if the Lord’s promises will truly be fulfilled in us—especially when all seems lost. Especially on our worst days. Peter’s story reminds us that they will.’ (Paragraphs 25-26)
When have you wondered if the Lord’s promises would be fulfilled?
‘…maybe it took both the worst days and the best days for Peter to become who the Lord needed him to become.’ (Paragraph 27)
How have best days and worst days helped you to become the person you have become?
What strength did you draw from the excerpts from ‘For the Strength of Youth’? (Paragraphs 30-35)
‘Because of Him, no matter how bad things are right now, your best days are ahead.’ (Paragraph 39)
How does this reassure you?
‘Jesus Christ is our strength’ (Paragraph 40)
How has Jesus Christ been your strength?
Invitations and application:
‘As you spend time in this guide (For the Strength of Youth) you will begin to realise that it is not just a guide for standards; this is a guide for strength.’ (Paragraph 36)
Accept the Lord’s invitations to act in faith.
Trust in the Lord in both your best days and your worst days.
Keep building your testimony daily.
Turn to Christ when you begin to ‘sink’.
Hold onto hope in God’s promises.
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