My post today is for all of those who feel like they can't do it. Let's be honest. We all have been there a time or two (or like 50 times) in our life. We all have been stretched to that point where we just feel like we can go no further, endure no more, push no harder. I know. I've been there! A lot. But I don't want to focus today on all of the trials of life. As part of this earthly experience, our Heavenly Father knew that we would have to experience those things that only a mortal person can experience- pain, despair, heart-ache, rejection, loneliness, etc. Opposition and heart ache does not mean that Heavenly Father does not love us. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Although we may not see it- there are always reasons for these challenges. Sometimes we are given struggles so that we can learn to rely on our Savior. Sometimes we are given obstacles to overcome so that we can learn from them, become stronger, and better able to serve those around us. Whatever the case may be for the trials in your life, I have GREAT news! THERE IS A WAY TO OVERCOME THEM. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the World, and our loving Mediator, is that way. One of my favorite scriptures come from Doctrine and Covenants section 122, versus 7-9. These verses include the words of the Lord given to the Prophet, Joseph Smith, during a time in his life when he very well probably felt like he could endure no more.
“And 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.
“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
“Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.”
I love to couple this scripture with another favorite scripture from the Book of Mormon found in Mosiah Chapter 14, verses 3-5.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
AND finally a favorite from The Bible. Matthew chapter 8, verse 17.
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
THAT is the good news. We have a loving Heavenly Father, who sent His only begotten son, to take our infirmities and bare our sicknesses, so that when we up faced with the challenges of life WE DON'T HAVE TO FACE THEM ALONE. We are not alone. We have never been alone. We will never be alone. We may sometimes feel that way... A parent can only help their child learn to walk if they take their hand a way for a little bit. And while the child may panic a bit because of the loss of assistance, if they could only look up they would see that their parents are right there... ready to catch them if they fall. Similarly it is with our Heavenly Father. He wants us to learn to walk- but He must first take away His hand. But He is still there... and He will always be there. One of my favorite conference talks given is "Mountains to Climb" by President Henry B. Eyring in the 2012 April General Conference. You can read his full talk here
He says:
"If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it. And with prophets revealing to us our place in the plan of salvation, we can live with perfect hope and a feeling of peace. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord’s service because we never are. We can feel the love of God. The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up. And He always keeps His word."
I know this to be true!! Hang in there!!
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