Students share their favorite devotionals and how each message spoke personally to their lives
“How Do We Know What Is Right?” — Mark Fitzgerald (Oct. 22, 2024)
Risa Tivaganon, a senior in TESOL from Thailand
Tivaganon said this devotional taught her the importance of discerning truth and trusting the Lord’s timing. She shared a line that stayed with her: “Will you allow revelation to happen in the Lord’s way, and in His time?” Nearing graduation and unsure about her future, she said the message resonated deeply as she learned to accept answers she didn’t expect. She said the devotional helped her feel more prepared, reminding her to act with faith and trust God to guide her path.
“To Know God, To Know Ourselves” — Elder Jared V. Ormsby (Sep. 30, 2025)
Losaline Tukuafu, a senior in business management from Tonga
As Tukuafu approaches graduation, she said Elder Ormsby’s message about knowing Christ to better know ourselves felt especially meaningful. His story of the new Papua New Guinea stake’s banner, where Christ’s image was larger than him, reminded her who her achievements are truly centered on. “I am able to … be the first in my family to get a bachelor’s degree … all because ofJesus Christ and His love for me.” She said recognizing Christ’s role in her journey made her feel grateful, blessed and deeply loved.
“Choose Excellence” — President John S. K. Kauwe III(Sep. 9, 2025)
James Williams, a freshman in business management fromIndonesia;
Pichayut Cherdchaiyaphum, a sophomore incomputer science from Thailand
Both students said President Kauwe’s “Choose Excellence” devotional stood out for its powerful analogy comparing insulin resistance to spiritual resistance—a metaphor that made the call to be “quick to observe” practical and memorable. They said his openness about personal health challenges made the message sincere and relatable. Williams appreciated how the metaphor showed Christ as the “Great Mediator,” enabling righteous use of agency, while Cherdchaiyaphum said the talk motivated him to build better habits academically, spiritually and physically. Both said the devotional inspired them to act with more intention, make wiser daily choices and rely more on the Lord in their efforts to improve.
“Epiphany: A Conviction to Follow the Savior Jesus Christ”— President J. Ray Hicken (Oct. 21, 2025)
Eerie Tse, a music in piano performance junior fromHong Kong
For Eerie, the devotional’s call to become a more devoted disciple of JesusChrist felt deeply personal. She said what stood out most was Elder Hicken’s retelling of President Gordon B. Hinckley’s mission experience and his father’s counsel: “Forget yourself and go to work.” As a former missionary in the England London Mission, Eerie said it reminded her to dedicate all she has to God. The message inspired her to self-reflect and recommit—set goals to stop judging others, listen to the prophet and serve the Lord and the people around her.
He Shall Direct Thy Paths” — Brett Okland (Oct. 28, 2025)
Lykorng Pav, a freshman in business management from Cambodia
Pav said this devotional stood out for its simple, practical message: trusting the Lord to guide us, especially when we feel uncertain or overwhelmed. “What struck me most was Brother Okland’s honesty about not always knowing what comes next—something every student can relate to,” he said. As he juggled classes, responsibilities and decisions about his future, he said this reminder gave him a sense of peace he didn’t realize he needed.” He said it helped him slow down, pray more intentionally and feel peace. “I’m not navigating this journey alone. Even when I can’t see the full picture, Heavenly Father does.
“Divine Engagement: Exploring Light, Spirit, and Prayer”— David Bearss (Nov. 4, 2025)
Sara Groberg, a junior in accounting from the United States
Groberg said this devotional helped her understand how God truly hears His children. Elder Bearss’ explanation of light particles staying connected—even when separated—stood out to her as a metaphor for our instantaneous connection with God, she said. The idea was “mind-blowing,” she said, especially during lonely moments far from home. Since then, she said she has tried to pray and study more intentionally, feeling more in tune with God’s voice.