Introduction
As I stand before you today, I feel so grateful to call you my friends. ALOHA!
In the few months Kelly and I have been here in Lāʻie, we have learned the deeper meaning of these three words: aloha, ʻohana, and mahalo. We are grateful to feel part of your ʻohana and want to say mahalo for your kindness, love, and support. Mahalo nui loa! I want to send our love to President and Sister Kauwe. We are delighted to hear of your good news yesterday. We love you and we continue to pray for you as you heal and recover.
Each time I have attended BYU–Hawaii devotionals, I have been uplifted by the Holy Ghost. It is my prayer today that we will feel our Heavenly Father's love and the Holy Ghost.
The Ultimate Road Map
A few days ago, while driving in Honolulu, I noticed how much I rely on my phone’s map to get around the island. I recently discovered that President Dallin H. Oaks talked about the ultimate road map.
President Oaks has given around 100 talks in general conference. In half of them, he has chosen to talk about the "great plan of salvation."
President Oaks calls Heavenly Father’s plan “the ultimate road map.”
“Because we have the truth about the Godhead... the purpose of life, and the nature of our eternal destiny, we have the ultimate road map and assurance for our journey through mortality.”
“We know whom we worship and why we worship. We know who we are and what we can become... and we know what we must do to enjoy the ultimate blessings that come through God’s plan of salvation.”
President Oaks concludes:
“How do we know all of this? We know by the revelations of God to His prophets and to each of us individually.” [1]
President Oaks has also taught that, “[Jesus Christ] has done everything that is essential for our journey through mortality toward the destiny outlined in the plan of our Heavenly Father.” [2] Like your phone’s map app, “the plan of happiness” [3] is the ultimate road map to get us through the storms and floods that come into our lives.
The Storm
This past March, severe storms swept across Oahu, bringing heavy rain, flooding, and dangerous road conditions. On the day of the first big storm, I was driving home from Honolulu using my maps app and entered BYU–Hawaii into my phone. Because I don't know the roads well yet, I followed my phone’s instructions closely.
I knew that when I reached Kahekili Highway it was a straight shot home. The storm was getting worse, but at this point, I knew my way. However, as I turned onto Kahekili Highway, the rain intensified and my phone said out loud to me: “Road closure ahead.”
Everyone in front of me was still going forward. There was no sign that any of the cars ahead were stopping or turning, and so I thought I could just keep following them. Immediately the thought came: “They know these roads; they don’t have their phone maps on to know the road is closed. You should follow your map’s directions.”
At this point, the storm became treacherous; branches were falling into the road, and rain was creating deep pools. I decided to make a U-turn and follow my phone’s directions. I was directed around the other side of the island. The trip was a white-knuckle drive. I made it home safely and was extremely grateful for the promptings I had received and the assistance of this incredible road map and the voice talking to me from my phone.
As President Oaks taught, our ultimate road map is Heavenly Father’s plan.
The Great Plan of Mercy
Do you know all of the names for Heavenly Father’s plan? It’s never called the plan of justice. It’s never called the plan of unhappiness. It’s certainly not called “the great plan of me.”
The scriptures give seven specific names for Heavenly Father’s plan. See how many you recognize. It is called:
- The plan of deliverance [4]
- The plan of salvation [5]
- The plan of redemption [6]
- The plan of happiness [7]
- The plan of mercy [8]
- The plan of restoration [9]
- The great plan of our God [10]
In your personal scripture study, I invite you to look for and notice these names. Look to understand how the Savior, the Holy Ghost, and prophets are part of the ultimate road map.
Conclusion: “I am the Way”
When our roads are dark and unknown, when we are traveling through storms and dangers, and when we are confused or uncertain, He has given us the perfect way home.
This last general conference, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf inspired us with these words:
“He lives and is an active, ongoing influence... He guides, comforts, listens, calms our fears, and wipes away our tears.”
“The message of the risen Christ is that, with His strength, all obstacles can be overcome... surely He can conquer any danger, confusion, or doubt we face." [11]
Jesus Christ is the perfect way back to Heavenly Father. He is the perfect guide. And He has made the way possible because of His personal, infinite atonement. Next time you feel lost in the storms of your life—like I was lost and scared during the big storm—follow Him. He is the perfect answer.
I want you to know my testimony of Jesus Christ and His divine role in Heavenly Father‘s plan. I know that He lives. I testify of His prophet today, President Dallin H. Oaks. I’m also grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost. I desire His constant companionship in my life and in yours.
Kelly and I are truly blessed to be here. We marvel at your desire to follow Heavenly Father’s plan. We recognize your efforts in making it a first priority in your lives. He is the One who makes Heavenly Father’s ultimate roadmap possible.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Dallin H. Oaks, “The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 103
[2] Dallin H. Oaks, “What Has Our Savior Done For Us?,” Ensign, May 2021
[3] Alma 42:8,16
[4] 2 Nephi 11:5
[5] Alma 24:14; 42:5, 8
[6] Jacob 6:8; Alma 12:25–33; 34:16
[7] Alma 42:8, 16
[8] Alma 42:15, 31
[9] Alma 41:2
[10] 2 Nephi 9:13
[11] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Encounter at the Empty Tomb,” Ensign, May 2026