November 4, 2025, 7:15pm MST
Imagine a climber at the bottom of a vertical granite cliff. Climbing is difficult due to gravity and the path is rarely straight. Instead, climbers use a system of carabiners and fixed anchors driven into the rock to find paths and footholds that can be reached all at once.
Similarly, life’s challenges can be difficult to overcome. But with the Covenant Carabiner tethering climbers to the Rock of Jesus Christ, individuals can reach the summit safely and reach the presence of their Heavenly Father in supreme glory.
Elder Edward B. Rowe, a General Authority Seventy, made this analogy during a devotional address on Tuesday, November 4, at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He was accompanied by his wife, Sister Brooke F. Rowe.
“The important truth of the[rock-climbing]parable is this: Only by engaging directly with the rock, and then re-engaging with the rock when you slip, can you make your way to the top,” Elder Lowe said. “Indeed, our Heavenly Father designed His plan for us to ascend into heaven in continuous dialogue with trust in Christ and His Atonement.”
“Project” the climb
Delving deeper into this analogy, Elder Lowe said that gravity represents the necessary opposition to Heavenly Father’s plan, and that slipping and falling represents sin or flawed effort.
Thankfully, the elder Lowe said, a climber who is anchored will never fall, no matter how many times he slips and becomes airborne. And in climbing, slipping is not considered a failure. This is part of a process called “projection,” in which climbers attempt a route multiple times until they overcome an obstacle.
“Because the climber is anchored, the fall is temporary and any attempt is safe,” Elder Lowe said. “Climbers can climb with confidence if they have a strong anchor, which will prevent them from plummeting during the climb.”
“When bound to the rock of heaven, every setback becomes part of the climb. Every fall is recoverable. With each step forward we move closer to the top. … Most importantly, through direct and repeated interaction with the rock, our very nature changes thanks to the climb when we are firmly anchored. We become more accomplished climbers.”
scaffolding and handholds
Elder Lowe shared his own experience of overcoming an uncertain “climb” in life. At the age of 18, he planned his life. He played one year of BYU football on an athletic scholarship, served a mission, married his high school sweetheart, played successful college football, became an orthopedic surgeon, and started a large family.
But six years later, those plans have largely gone awry. Although Elder Rowe did marry his high school sweetheart after his mission, the couple struggled with infertility for years, delaying their dreams of a large family.
The elder Rowe was also injured on the second day of football practice when he was a sophomore. Being sidelined and unable to play, he was repeatedly urged to quit football and concentrate on his studies.
Choosing to trust God and step into the unknown, the elder Lowe retired from football but felt unsure of his next step.
“Thankfully, I continued to pray, continue to go to church, and continue to attend the temple,” Elder Lowe said. “I never held hostility toward God. I felt like I was dangling by a carabiner while I searched for a path forward, but I was connected to an anchor.”
A year later, the elder Lowe said he overheard another student talking about studying Russian and felt inspired to investigate. He enrolled in Russian 101 and suddenly “felt like I had found my footing.”
One class led to another, and Elder Lowe learned about a program that would send students to Russia over the summer. After prayerful consideration, Elder and Mrs. Lowe decided that they should attend. “Another clue has emerged.”
Life in Russia wasn’t always easy, Elder Lowe said. His language skills were limited, and his beliefs were sometimes challenged. But his experience there ultimately paved the way for his future, opening the door to a great law school and the opportunity to live abroad.
Additionally, he and his wife adopted two boys, and Sister Rowe later gave birth to three children. His path wasn’t what he expected, but it strengthened Elder Lowe’s faith in God, he said.
“Anchor yourself to him.”
Elder Rowe concluded by encouraging students to develop unwavering trust and love for Jesus Christ.
“If we keep our covenants to the best of our ability, keep God’s commandments, and repent as often as necessary, we will come to know God,” Elder Rowe said. “Your confidence is born and grows in the Spirit. This is God’s promise to you. Fix yourselves firmly in God.”
