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President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, both members of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have spoken publicly about the importance of divine help in the life of Joseph Smith and in the lives of church members.
On July 23, President Oaks posted on social media reflecting on Joseph Smith’s accomplishments. He emphasized that what Joseph Smith achieved could not have been done by any ordinary person in such a short time span. A month earlier, during the 2025 Seminar for New Mission Leaders at the Provo Missionary Training Center, he told new mission leaders: “It is very important that our missionaries have a testimony of the divine calling and miraculous work of the Prophet Joseph Smith. That needs to be part of your teaching and counseling.”
President Oaks described Joseph Smith as “a man of the frontier — young, emotional, dynamic and so loved and approachable by the people that they often called him ‘Brother Joseph.’” He highlighted milestones from Joseph Smith’s life: at age 14 he experienced what is known among Latter-day Saints as the First Vision; at 21 he received gold plates; by age 23 he completed translating the Book of Mormon; at 24 he organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and before turning 26, most revelations in Doctrine and Covenants were given through him.
Quoting from BYU Studies’ publication "Sustaining the Law: Joseph Smith’s Legal Encounters," President Oaks listed other achievements: “[He] founded cities, including Kirtland, Far West and Nauvoo; called and trained hundreds of Church leaders; studied Hebrew and the Bible; … ran businesses, alone and with partners; developed real estate and built temples; wrote and published articles and editorials; … served in several civil capacities, including commander-in-chief of a large legion of militia men, as well as the mayor and chief judge for the city of Nauvoo; ... attracted tens of thousands of followers, prompting waves of converts to immigrate to the United States.” President Oaks concluded: “The only possible explanation is heavenly help.”
President Henry B. Eyring also addressed themes related to divine assistance. On July 28, he posted on social media with a painting depicting Jesus Christ praying. In his message, President Eyring said that mortal life is meant to be a test designed by God for personal growth: “Since the beginning, the tests have not been easy. We face trials that come from having mortal bodies. All of us live in a world where Satan’s war against truth and against our personal happiness is becoming more intense. The world and your life can seem to you to be in increasing commotion.”
Despite these challenges, President Eyring assured members that God has provided a way forward through His Son: “Heavenly Father so loved the world that He sent His Beloved Son to help us,” he wrote. “His Son, Jesus Christ, gave His life for us. Jesus Christ bore in Gethsemane and on the cross the weight of all our sins.” President Eyring continued: “Jesus Christ ‘experienced all the sorrows, pains and effects’ so that He could comfort and strengthen us through every test in life.” He concluded with encouragement: “May you feel more hope and optimism, and may you feel the pure love of Christ for others and for yourself.”
Both leaders used their platforms—public events for mission leaders as well as social media—to underscore how faith in divine guidance plays an essential role both historically for figures like Joseph Smith as well as currently for individuals facing challenges.
