I have sometimes been frustrated when I wanted to do something good—something that was commanded—but I wasn’t able to do it. Has that ever happened to you? It is a frustrating and discouraging circumstance.
In such a situation, we are prone to say, “What more should I have done?” Even the Lord revealed his frustration three times, with almost identical words: “What could I have done more?” (See Jacob 5:41, 47, 49.)
A just and loving Heavenly Father knew that this would be part of our human condition. He knew that giving all men the freedom to choose what they would do would sometimes produce this result.
Examples of this include offering to share the gospel with a friend who says he or she is not interested. Home teachers and visiting teachers have this experience when visiting those who are less active who fail to respond to loving invitations extended consistently over many visits. Mothers of young children love them teach them and yearn for them to make correct choices only to see them frequently choose to do otherwise. The list of examples is almost limitless.
How has the Lord, in his infinite mercy and justice, provided for this kind of circumstance? The scriptures are filled with comforting counsel.
The Lord said this to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings” (D&C 124:49).
Oliver Granger was given an assignment to dispose of Church property in the wake of the expulsion of the saints from Nauvoo. He did his very best, but fell short in being able to carry out his assignment fully. In spite of this failure, the Lord had these words of praise for him:
12 And again, I say unto you, I remember my servant Oliver Granger; behold, verily I say unto him that his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation to generation, forever and ever, saith the Lord.
13 Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord. (D&C 117:12-13, emphasis added)
In “The Living Christ”, we read this: “He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts (emphasis added).” (See also Mosiah 4:24 and D&C 137:9.)
Now, let me ask a critical question. How do we know when we have done our best and therefore qualify for the Lord’s blessing on our efforts in spite of our seeming failures?
I’m sure there are other scriptures that shed light on this, but I especially appreciate the following words from King Benjamin’s magnificent concluding discourse to his people:
“See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order” (Mosiah 4:27).
Here, for me, is the formula. We shouldn’t “run faster than [we have] strength.” However, we “should be diligent.” How do we know when we are being sufficiently diligent and yet nor running faster than our strength will permit? I only know of one way, to seek the Lord’s counsel through prayerful pondering.
He sent us here to succeed, not to fail. Where our efforts are insufficient, He will cover the deficit. I love these words of Elder Neil L. Andersen, “I testify that as you love Him, trust Him, believe Him, and follow Him, you will feel His love and approval… By His grace He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself” (Neil L. Andersen, "What Thinks Christ of Me?", April 2012 General Conference).
I pray that we will each seek diligently to do His will and then find the peace that He will give even when our very best efforts fall short. (See Matthew 11:28-30.)
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Adversity--A Pathway to Spiritual Growth
As I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning, the following verse stood out: "I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (1 Nephi 20:10). (See also Isaiah 48:10.)
It is interesting how often the subject of adversity is mentioned in Nephi’s writings. It shouldn’t be a surprise, since Nephi faced and was refined by a great deal of adversity. He didn’t become a great prophet in spite of adversity. Rather, adversity was a means the Lord used to refine Nephi into a powerful spiritual leader.
Affliction is given all of us to refine us, to make us more pure and prepared to return to our Heavenly Father. It isn’t a punishment (unless the adversity is a consequence our mistakes) but rather a tool to help us grow, like the heavy weights lifted by athletes help to make them stronger.
This scripture reminds me of several other scriptures:
"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion" (D&C 136:31).
“We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
The Lord spoke the following words to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "If thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7).
It is also important to know that the Lord won't give us any adversity that is beyond our ability to withstand. Our best efforts (faith-filled prayer and obedience), coupled with His grace will see us through even the most difficult of times.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted [tried] above that ye are able; but will with the temptation [adversity] also make a way to escape [grow], that ye may be able to bear it [overcome it]" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
"We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities [adversities]; but was in all points tempted [tried] like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly [confidently] unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace [enabling power] to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).
I know from personal experience that God is aware of us. We do not suffer any trial of which He is unaware. Because He has come to know us and how we deal with adversity, He is perfectly able to give us the power to overcome our adversity and to become stronger, more valiant disciples in the process. Let us renew our determination to overcome every obstacle in our path. Let us pray ever more fervently for God's help in our times of need. He is faithful to help us, to strengthen us, and to draw us ever more firmly and lovingly "in the arms of His love" (2 Nephi 1:15). This applies to everyone who goes to Him in faith and humility, not just to a select few. Of this I bear my personal witness.
It is interesting how often the subject of adversity is mentioned in Nephi’s writings. It shouldn’t be a surprise, since Nephi faced and was refined by a great deal of adversity. He didn’t become a great prophet in spite of adversity. Rather, adversity was a means the Lord used to refine Nephi into a powerful spiritual leader.
Affliction is given all of us to refine us, to make us more pure and prepared to return to our Heavenly Father. It isn’t a punishment (unless the adversity is a consequence our mistakes) but rather a tool to help us grow, like the heavy weights lifted by athletes help to make them stronger.
This scripture reminds me of several other scriptures:
"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion" (D&C 136:31).
“We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
The Lord spoke the following words to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "If thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7).
It is also important to know that the Lord won't give us any adversity that is beyond our ability to withstand. Our best efforts (faith-filled prayer and obedience), coupled with His grace will see us through even the most difficult of times.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted [tried] above that ye are able; but will with the temptation [adversity] also make a way to escape [grow], that ye may be able to bear it [overcome it]" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
"We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities [adversities]; but was in all points tempted [tried] like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly [confidently] unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace [enabling power] to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).
I know from personal experience that God is aware of us. We do not suffer any trial of which He is unaware. Because He has come to know us and how we deal with adversity, He is perfectly able to give us the power to overcome our adversity and to become stronger, more valiant disciples in the process. Let us renew our determination to overcome every obstacle in our path. Let us pray ever more fervently for God's help in our times of need. He is faithful to help us, to strengthen us, and to draw us ever more firmly and lovingly "in the arms of His love" (2 Nephi 1:15). This applies to everyone who goes to Him in faith and humility, not just to a select few. Of this I bear my personal witness.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
“By the Power of God, and not of Man”
June 7, 2012
I just finished
reading the Book of Mormon for the first time through this year. While doing so, I marked references to the
Savior, including His many names as well as the pronouns that refer to Him. In addition, I marked passages in which He is
quoted directly. As you can imagine,
there are thousands of red markings in the book.
I am now reading
it through the second time. This time I
decided to study the Book of Mormon with a question in my mind. The question bears on developing a quality of
character that I would like to have in greater abundance.
As I was reading
this morning in “The Testimony of Three Witnesses”, I came across the
statement, “by the power of God, and not of man”. It occurred to me that for me to succeed, I
need heavenly help to accomplish my objective.
If I depend only on my own power—my own determination and sheer grit—I will
not succeed. To become as God wants us
to become requires His grace, His enabling power. Therefore, I will strive to seek His power in
my pursuit of personal improvement.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
"In His Strength [We] Can Do All Things"
As I was studying the scriptures this morning, some additional scriptures came to mind that are related to yesterday's blog entry. These are scriptures that I have also committed to memory. They further illustrate that "in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."
In Ether 12:27, we read: "If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." We are given weaknesses to help us to be humble and to recognize that we can't do it alone. However, if we will exert our faith, coupled with humility and our best efforts, we can become strong in areas where we are now weak, with the Lord's promised help.
This scripture is bracketed by two others. In John 15:5, the Savior teaches this: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." We cannot, by ourselves, accomplish anything of eternal worth without the Savior. However, when connected to Him through our faith and best efforts we can "[bring] forth much fruit."
The second scripture is found in Alma 26:12, spoken by Ammon to his fellow missionaries at the conclusion of their fourteen year mission: "In his [the Savior's] strength I [we] can do all things." There is nothing we are expected to do to succeed in this mortal probation that we cannot do, with the help of the Savior.
In summary, "without me ye can do nothing," yet, "in his strength [we] can do all things." Let us press forward with faith in Christ, giving our best efforts and success will be ours, in the Lord's time, in His own way and according to His own will (see D&C 88:68).
I know these principles are true. I have seen in in my own life and in the lives of others. I testify that, "There hath not failed one word of all his good promise[!]" (1 Kings 8:56).
In Ether 12:27, we read: "If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." We are given weaknesses to help us to be humble and to recognize that we can't do it alone. However, if we will exert our faith, coupled with humility and our best efforts, we can become strong in areas where we are now weak, with the Lord's promised help.
This scripture is bracketed by two others. In John 15:5, the Savior teaches this: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." We cannot, by ourselves, accomplish anything of eternal worth without the Savior. However, when connected to Him through our faith and best efforts we can "[bring] forth much fruit."
The second scripture is found in Alma 26:12, spoken by Ammon to his fellow missionaries at the conclusion of their fourteen year mission: "In his [the Savior's] strength I [we] can do all things." There is nothing we are expected to do to succeed in this mortal probation that we cannot do, with the help of the Savior.
In summary, "without me ye can do nothing," yet, "in his strength [we] can do all things." Let us press forward with faith in Christ, giving our best efforts and success will be ours, in the Lord's time, in His own way and according to His own will (see D&C 88:68).
I know these principles are true. I have seen in in my own life and in the lives of others. I testify that, "There hath not failed one word of all his good promise[!]" (1 Kings 8:56).
Saturday, February 25, 2012
"Trust in the Lord Forever"
I have been negligent in posting to my blog. I apologize for that. In my last entry, I spoke of the blessing of memorizing scriptures. I have continued this practice and reaffirm what I said.
One of the scriptures that I have recently memorized is Isaiah 26:3-4: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength" (Isaiah 26:3-4).
It occurs to me that often when we struggle in life it is because we have failed to exercise faith (trust) in the Lord. Faith in the Lord is the most powerful force in the world, when coupled with our best efforts. Indeed there is a peaceful feeling that comes when we follow the counsel to: “Trust in the Lord with all [our] heart; and lean not unto [our] own understanding. In all [our] ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct [our] paths” (Proverbs 3:5 - 6).
May we exercise faith in the Lord. As we do, He will bless us to face every trial with a feeling of peace and the needed strength to overcome every obstacle.
One of the scriptures that I have recently memorized is Isaiah 26:3-4: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength" (Isaiah 26:3-4).
It occurs to me that often when we struggle in life it is because we have failed to exercise faith (trust) in the Lord. Faith in the Lord is the most powerful force in the world, when coupled with our best efforts. Indeed there is a peaceful feeling that comes when we follow the counsel to: “Trust in the Lord with all [our] heart; and lean not unto [our] own understanding. In all [our] ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct [our] paths” (Proverbs 3:5 - 6).
May we exercise faith in the Lord. As we do, He will bless us to face every trial with a feeling of peace and the needed strength to overcome every obstacle.
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