SANDY, Utah — Sister Susan K. Bednar, wife of Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve, emphasized the power and strength found in individuals and Jesus Christ's infinite love to the the Sandy, Utah, institute students Wednesday, March 4.Sister Bednar cited Romans 5:19: "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."Sister Bednar testified of the spirit she felt emanating in the room, which included an crowd overflowing into the gym. "When you gather together, there is power," Sister Bednar said. "There is a great feeling of oneness, unity and strength in this room tonight." She shared a compilation of random life experiences that have increased her testimony of the Savior and his love. After President Hinckley announced that Ricks College would become BYU-Idaho, then-Elder Henry B. Eyring was invited to speak at the university's weekly devotional. During the weekend before the devotional, the Bednars attended a student retreat in the Tetons. Elder Bednar invited the 200 students attending the retreat to dress in Sunday attire at the upcoming devotional. He encouraged the students to each tell five friends regarding the invitation. When the day of the devotional arrived, thousands of students filled the auditorium wearing their Sunday best."I've learned through that experience that so much can happen by the power of a few individuals," SIster Bednar said. "You have the great ability to change things around you in your work and school environments."Sister Bednar recalled and reiterated an inspirational remark made by President Eyring during this devotional."I bless you that every day, if you will ask in prayer where the hand of God intervened that day, I bless that it will be made manifest to you," Sister Bednar quoted President Eyring. Sister Bednar promised the young adults that their confidence in the Lord's presence will increase exponentially if they ask this simple question, "have I seen the hand of God reaching out to me today?" She challenged each person to adhere to this daily prayer and to write down their experiences. When we document the evidence of the Savior's love, we can continually return to it, she said. Next, Sister Bednar reminisced about crucial advice offered by President Gordon B. Hinckley. When Elder Bednar was president of BYU-I, he and Sister Bednar took a group of students to Salt Lake City to meet President Hinckley. One of students asked if the prophet had any advice for them. He responded, "Have faith. Have faith in the Lord, have faith in yourself and have faith in the future. "When we fully understand who we are, she said, it is easier to maintain this faith.While traveling to Africa, Sister Bednar attended a Relief Society meeting being taught by a recent convert who taught her the true meaning of fasting."It is only a fast when we have food, and we choose not to eat it," the teacher taught. Sister Bednar also shared memories of growing up during the Cold War and the animosity that existed between the United States and the Soviet Union. "It was almost like we were taught to hate these people," Sister Bednar said. Years later, Elder Bednar was assigned to dedicate a new chapel in Ukraine. Sister Bednar wondered how she would feel towards the people of Ukraine. However, after meeting with the Relief Society and Young Women members, she witnessed a beautiful light and testimony. She knew that she could look them in the eye and proclaim her love. Since Elder Bednar has been called as an apostle, she has recognized the Lord's influence more often. "I don't see a whole lot of difference in my husband, because he has always been an extraordinary man," Sister Bednar said. "But as that mantle has fallen on his shoulders, I've seen him do things that I know he couldn't do alone, say thing that he wouldn't say alone. I've seen the Lord strengthen him in a wonderful way, and I know that he has been called by the spirit of revelation."Although Sister Bednar admits that being the wife of an apostle is intimidating, she said that it is always rewarding."At times when I thought I couldn't do it, with the strength of the Lord I've been able to do all things," she said.
E-mail: hmecham@desnews.com