Yard Services

🎯 October 26th Lesson

Enduring Trials with Faith & Using Influence Righteously

🙏 Opening (10 minutes)

Welcome & Prayer

Invite someone to say the opening prayer.
Briefly introduce the topic:

“This week we’re learning from Doctrine and Covenants 121–123. These revelations were given to Joseph Smith while he was in Liberty Jail. They teach us about enduring hard things, trusting God, and using priesthood power with love.”

Icebreaker Question:

“What’s something hard you’ve gone through that taught you something important?”

📖 Scripture Study & Discussion (30 minutes)

Break into small groups or stay together depending on group size.

🔹 Section 1: God’s Timing (D&C 121:1–8)

Read: Verses 1–8 aloud.
Discuss:

Why do you think Joseph Smith cried out to God in Liberty Jail?
What does verse 7 mean when it says, “Peace be unto thy soul”?
How can we trust God when answers don’t come right away?

🔹 Section 2: Righteous Influence (D&C 121:34–46)

Read: Verses 34–46 aloud or assign verses to volunteers.
Discuss:

What does it mean to use priesthood power “by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness”?
Why is it important to lead with love and kindness, not force?
How can we apply these principles in our homes, schools, or church callings?

🔹 Section 3: Cheerful Action (D&C 123:17)

Read: Verse 17 aloud.
Discuss:

What does it mean to “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power”?
How can we stay cheerful even when things are hard?

🧠 Application Activity (15 minutes)

🎭 Activity: “Power for Good” Roleplay

Give each youth a scenario (e.g., helping a friend who’s sad, resolving a conflict, leading a group project).
Ask: “How can you use your influence like Christ would?”
Let them act it out or talk through their response.

📝 Optional Handout

Create a printable card with D&C 121:45–46 and space to write one way they’ll use their influence for good this week.

🙌 Closing (5 minutes)

Wrap-Up Discussion:

What’s one thing you learned today?
How will you use your influence this week to help someone?

Challenge:

“Pick one verse from D&C 121–123 to memorize this week. Share it with someone and explain why it matters to you.”

Closing Prayer

🗣️ Suggested Follow-Up Questions

How does knowing Joseph Smith was in jail change how you read these verses?
What does it mean to be a leader like Jesus?
How can we be cheerful even when life is unfair?