How General Conference with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Helps Us Overcome Life’s Challenges by Jared Harding Wilson

By Jared Harding Wilson

As October rolls around, my heart fills with anticipation for the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether you’re tuning in from home or fortunate enough to attend in person at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, this sacred gathering offers a unique opportunity to hear inspired messages from our leaders, feel the Spirit, and gain direction for our lives. In a world full of noise and uncertainty, General Conference is like a spiritual recharge—a chance to align our paths with God’s will and find peace amid life’s hikes and challenges.

My family has made General Conference a cherished tradition for years. We either gather around our big screen projector at home with snacks, inviting friends over for a cozy viewing party, or we pack up and head to Salt Lake City. Staying in a hotel downtown and walking into that massive Conference Center is an unforgettable experience—the energy, the unity, and the overwhelming sense of belonging. It’s not just about the talks; it’s about the bonds we strengthen as a family and community.

Speaking of inspiration, I absolutely love missionary work—it’s at the core of who I am. I had the privilege of serving in the Antofagasta Mission in Chile 🇨🇱, where I grew tremendously in faith, resilience, and love for the gospel. Those experiences helped me in my life. My father served in the Düsseldorf Mission in Germany years ago, and it’s my dream that someday my entire family can share in the joy of missionary service. Missions aren’t just about teaching others; they’re about discovering our own divine potential and learning to rely on the Lord through every trial.

I bring up missionary work as to get excited for this October’s conference, check out this awesome trailer from the Missionary Universe YouTube channel. It’s focused on potential future missionaries but captures the essence of General Conference perfectly, with that epic music that I love: General Conference Trailer October 2025! (Youth Battalion Of The Lord). It’s a great reminder of how no matter our age we all can be part of the Lord’s battalion.

Though we recently lost our beloved Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, his legacy endures through his teachings and the blessings he pronounced. We’ll miss his guiding voice this conference, but his words continue to uplift us. In one of his addresses, he shared this powerful blessing: “I bless you to be filled with the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. His peace is beyond all mortal understanding. I bless you with an increased desire and ability to obey the laws of God. I promise that as you do, you will be showered with blessings, including greater courage, increased personal revelation, sweeter harmony in your homes, and joy even amid uncertainty.”  This promise highlights the profound blessings that come from heeding the words of prophets during General Conference—blessings that help us navigate our personal missions on this earth.

We all face challenges and struggles; that’s part of why we’re here on earth, in this life. General Conference helps us grasp our individual missions more clearly, offering tools to overcome obstacles through faith, repentance, and reliance on the Savior. I always approach Conference with 1 to 3 specific questions about my life—maybe about family decisions, personal growth, or overcoming a trial. I pray sincerely for the Spirit to be with me, and without fail, answers come through the talks, hymns, or quiet promptings. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone in our journeys; the Lord speaks to us through His servants to guide us home.

I invite everyone, members and friends alike, to join in. You can listen live or catch the sessions on churchofjesuschrist.org, lds.org, or the Church’s YouTube channel. It’s accessible to all, and the messages are universal: hope, healing, and direction from heaven.

What questions are you bringing to General Conference this year? How has listening to the prophets helped you overcome a challenge in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and build a community of encouragement here on hikestarsonearth.com!

Photos by Jared Harding Wilson. All rights reserved.