In his first official communication of 2023, President Russell M. Nelson shared three lessons he has learned as a deep sea fisherman to help others in the coming year.

“For me, deep sea fishing has been infrequent but instructive. Success requires patience, persistence, and prayer,” he wrote in a social media post on Jan. 1. “As we begin this new year and make resolutions to improve things in our lives, these three requisites for successful fishing can help us.”

In the message, posted on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, President Nelson expounded on the three keys with references to the scriptures.

Be patient

“First, be patient,” he wrote on Facebook and Instagram. “As with fishing, real change requires time — and often a lot of time. It is tempting to expect immediate results and then become disappointed when things don’t work out exactly as planned. This may be why the Apostle Paul counseled us to ‘run with patience the race that is set before us’ (Hebrews 12:1).”

Be persistent

“Second, be persistent. Keep at it, even when things get difficult. Push through the tough times and realize that even small victories mean you are having success. The Savior ‘waxed strong in spirit’ (Luke 2:40) as He grew older. We too can wax strong in spirit and in our talents and habits if we persevere.”

Be prayerful

“Third, be prayerful. Call upon God for the strength you need as you labor diligently to become a better version of yourself — a better disciple of Jesus Christ, a brighter light in the world. For ‘they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint’ (Isaiah 40:31).”

“Happy New Year, my dear friends,” President Nelson concluded. “May the Lord bless us all as we endeavor to become more like Him.”

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