"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).

"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.