As part of the 2023 youth theme found in Philippians 4:13, Latter-day Saint youth across the globe are learning what it means to “do all things through Christ.”
Sister Rebecca L. Craven, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, said this theme builds on the 2022 youth theme from Proverbs 3:5-6 about trusting in the Lord.
“We spent last year focusing on trusting in the Lord with all our hearts. By learning to lean on His understanding and not their own, we hope our youth are recognizing Him directing their paths,” Sister Craven said.
“This year’s theme, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,’ builds upon that trust. Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement not only provides a way to repent and be forgiven of our sin but gives us strength to do hard things we cannot do on our own.”
Sister Craven referenced what President Russell M. Nelson told youth in June 2018 about their capacity: “My beloved younger brothers and sisters, you are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation.”
Sister Craven added, “Our prayer is that our strong and very capable youth will learn that as they continue to trust in the Lord, He will enable them to accomplish all good and righteous things.”
Church leaders have repeatedly quoted the Apostle Paul’s declaration in Philippians 4:13 about doing “all things through Christ.” Below are seven general conference talks in which this verse was quoted or referenced.
Strength in the Savior’s Atonement
“At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus explained that He was sent ‘to heal the brokenhearted’ (Luke 4:18). The Bible often tells us of His healing people ‘of their infirmities’ (Luke 5:15; 7:21). The Book of Mormon records His healing those ‘that were afflicted in any manner’ (3 Nephi 17:9). ... Speaking of some of his own mortal challenges, the Apostle Paul wrote, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ (Philippians 4:13).
“And so we see that because of His Atonement, the Savior has the power to succor — to help — every mortal pain and affliction. Sometimes His power heals an infirmity, but the scriptures and our experiences teach that sometimes He succors or helps by giving us the strength or patience to endure our infirmities.”
— Then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” October 2015 general conference
A mustard seed of faith
“Brothers and sisters, life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ — even a mustard seed of faith.
“Elder George A. Smith remembered some advice the Prophet Joseph Smith gave to him: ‘He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last.’
“We should remember Paul’s declaration: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ (Philippians 4:13). Knowing this is another precious gift from God.”
— President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Precious Gifts from God,” April 2018 general conference
Divine discontent leads to Christ
“Of course, all of us will fall short of our divine potential, and there is some truth in the realization that alone we are not enough. But the good news of the gospel is that with the grace of God, we are enough. With Christ’s help, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). The scriptures promise that we will ‘find grace to help in time of need’ (Hebrews 4:16).
“The surprising truth is that our weaknesses can be a blessing when they humble us and turn us to Christ. Discontent becomes divine when we humbly approach Jesus Christ with our want, rather than hold back in self-pity.”
— Sister Michelle D. Craig, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, “Divine Discontent,” October 2018 general conference
Power to overcome and conquer
“You have in fact already been rescued; you have already been saved. ... Jesus has overcome the abuses of this world (see John 16:33; Philippians 4:13) to give you power to not only survive but one day, through Him, to overcome and even conquer — to completely rise above the pain, the misery, the anguish, and see them replaced by peace.”
— Elder Patrick Kearon of the Presidency of the Seventy, “He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings: We Can Be More Than Conquerors,” April 2022 general conference
Growth from challenges
“Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.
“Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us (see Philippians 4:13).”
— Elder Paul V. Johnson, General Authority Seventy, “More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us,” April 2011 general conference
Strength to endure suffering
“Jesus Christ offers His enabling power to help you have strength to endure your suffering well. This enabling power is made possible through His Atonement.
“I fear that too many Church members think if they are just a little tougher, they can get through any suffering on their own. This is a hard way to live. Your temporary moment of strength can never compare to the Savior’s infinite supply of power to fortify your soul” (see Philippians 4:13, 19; Alma 26:12; see also 2 Chronicles 32:7–8).”
— Elder Anthony D. Perkins, General Authority Seventy, “Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God,” October 2021 general conference
Focus on Him
“Our experience continues to be hard, but we have learned with the Apostle Paul that we ‘can do all things through Christ which [strengthens us]’ if we focus on Him (Philippians 4:13). ...
“We can be of good cheer and be filled with peace in our tough times. The love we feel because of the Savior and His Atonement becomes a powerful resource to us in our trying moments. ‘All that is unfair [and difficult] about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ’ (‘Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service’). He commanded, ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33). He can help us endure whatever pain, sickness, and trials we face in mortality.”
— Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy, “We Can Do Hard Things through Him,” October 2022 general conference
