By declining an opportunity to teach with no backup plan, critically acclaimed fantasy author Brandon Mull said he trusted God to magnify his talents and guide his path.
Mull shared the story with students at BYU Online High School Friday during their monthly devotional held via Zoom, part of a series of faith-based messages from guest speakers. He invited students to develop their talents and build a relationship with God, encouraging them to trust him despite uncertainty about the future.
“Partner with God, and he will help us travel with him day by day,” Mull said. “If you learn to travel like that, you will unlock powers you cannot imagine.”
Mull outlined two steps to developing a meaningful relationship with God. The first, he said, is gaining belief in a loving and present Heavenly Father.
Mull described how he developed a personal testimony of God. As a young teenager, he paced in his yard pondering questions about his faith. He prayed sincerely, asking questions such as “Are you there?” and “Do you love me?” Mull said he often felt warm, affirming feelings in response.
He invited students to seek their own spiritual experiences to strengthen their belief in God.
The second step, Mull said, is using faith to come to God and connect with him. He emphasized that each person is special in the eyes of God.
“We tend to think small as humans,” he said. “We have a hard time seeing the bigger picture. However, you are absolutely unique. You can have a unique, special relationship with your Heavenly Father.”
To illustrate that idea, Mull shared his path to becoming an author, emphasizing the challenges he faced along the way. After his first manuscript failed to be published, he considered teaching English to support his growing family. An opportunity arose in southern Utah, but after praying for several hours, he said he felt impressed to decline it.
Although he didn’t know what direction his life would take, Mull said following that prompting was important.
“God knows more about who you can become than you do,” Mull said. “Learn to trust him. Be aligned with him.”
Two days after declining the teaching job, Mull said he received an opportunity to write copy for Excel Entertainment Group. Through the connections he made there, he published his first book, Fablehaven, in 2006.
Mull is now a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. He has written multiple book series, received several reader-choice and state book awards and frequently speaks at schools and libraries.
Mull is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has used his platform to inspire young readers and writers worldwide.
Following his remarks, students asked Mull questions about writing and perseverance. Some asked about the publishing process, while others wanted to know what inspired his fantasy series.
Mull closed the devotional with a message for students.
“God is like a private tutor,” he said. “Your path is unique to you. If you have a relationship with your Heavenly Father, he will bless you uniquely.”
