It has always been my belief that you get what you work for.  When I was about 12, I had a paper route of 110 customers and every day newspapers were dropped off at my house. I had to fold them for delivery, sometimes stuff them in plastic bags during inclement weather. Then walk or bike my route, on Thursdays I had to collect the money to pay the newspaper carrier. I was able to keep a small percentage from the collections as my fee, however if my customers felt I was doing a good job they would provide tips, especially around Christmas. I always did my best to put the newspaper where my customer wanted it. I also mowed lawns, raked leaves, shoveled snow around the neighborhood. My goal was to buy a car when I turned 16. I worked hard, paid my tithing and achieved this goal.

I am reminded of the story of a young boy named Sedrick that really touched my heart by the spirit of the Holy Ghost.         

My name is Sedrick Kambesabwe. I live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I’m a member of the [Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints].

I’m a branch missionary in the village of Kipusanga. I need to prepare to go on a foreign mission. In order to go on a mission, I need a passport, which now costs 250 U.S. dollars.

To earn money, my father and I buy bananas. Some villages produce a lot of bananas: Tishabobo, Lusuku, and Kamanda.

Tishabobo is about 9 miles from here. Lusuku is 18 miles. Kamanda is 18 as well. We go there and buy bananas, and we bring them back here to sell.

To go to the villages we use a bicycle. We can take four or six bunches of bananas.

When I go by bike, it can take an hour and a half each way, if the bike is working and I have the strength. When it is midday and the heat is oppressive, I move slowly because of the heat and the sun.

I can do two trips per day if I wake up very early in the morning. It is a good way to help pay for my passport.

Now I’m earning money, little by little, so I’m saving for both school expenses and the mission. And now, after four years of work, I have enough money for my passport, plus 70 dollars saved.”

The scriptures, prophets and church leaders have provided us guidance to be successful, we just have to do our part.

Why does Heavenly Father want me to take personal responsibility for my life?

D&C 42:42

42 Thou shalt not be aidle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bbread nor wear the garments of the claborer.

How do we learn to keep going, even when the work is difficult?

 “Perseverance is demonstrated by those who … don’t give up even when others say, ‘It can’t be done.’”

James E. Faust, “Perseverance,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 51

2 Nephi 2:16, 26

16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should aact for himself. Wherefore, man could not bact for himself save it should be that he was centiced by the one or the other.

26 And the aMessiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may bredeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are credeemed from the fall they have become dfree forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the elaw at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

Why does the Lord expect us to work for what we receive?

“God has designed this mortal existence to require nearly constant exertion. … By work we sustain and enrich life. … Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, … sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, … lifts, [and] aspires.”

D. Todd Christofferson, “Reflections on a Consecrated Life,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 17

 How do I react when I experience failure?

“Our responsibility is to rise from mediocrity to competence, from failure to achievement. Our task is to become our best selves. One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final.”

Thomas S. Monson, “The Will Within,” Ensign, May 1987, 68

Remember to:

• Keep a positive attitude- List your Blessings

• Remember to work together- Ask Friends, Peers, and Others for help

• Replace fear with faith- Avoid doubt. Remember the Lord has all power. Call upon Him and accept His will

• Move forward with patience and courage- Never, never, never give up; endure with faith. Look for lessons the Lord might be teaching you.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.