I can do all things through Christ
which strengtheneth me.
I already shared a Conference talk related to my verse yesterday, but I love this one too much not to share as well:
“The Great and Wonderful Love”
Anthony D. Perkins
Of the First Quorum of the Seventy
"Children in pure faith proclaim, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”
1
But sometimes youth and adults do not feel the power of this simple declaration.
Satan is the “enemy to all righteousness”;
2
thus he plants doubts about the nature of the Godhead and our
relationship with Them. Jesus Christ prophesied that in the last days
even the very elect would be deceived.
3
Consider three examples of how Lucifer is “laying traps and snares to catch the holy ones of God.”
4
The snare of false inadequacy.
A faithful young person feels unable to meet the expectations of
others. At home and school, she is rarely praised and often criticized.
The popular media tells her she is not beautiful enough or smart enough.
Every day this righteous sister questions whether she is an individual
worthy of Heavenly Father’s love, the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, or the
Spirit’s constant guidance.
The snare of exaggerated imperfection.
An outstanding missionary feels incapable of meeting the
expectations of God. In his mind, this worthy elder imagines a stern
Heavenly Father bound to irrevocable justice, a Savior capable of
cleansing others’ transgressions but not this elder’s own, and a Holy
Ghost unwilling to accompany an imperfect person.
The snare of needless guilt.
A middle-aged woman is a devoted mother, a loving friend, a
faithful Church servant, and a frequent temple patron. But in her heart,
this sister cannot forgive herself of sins committed years ago that she
has repented of and fully resolved with priesthood leaders. She doubts
that her life will ever be acceptable to the Lord and has lost hope of
eternal life in Heavenly Father’s presence.
If you have any thoughts and feelings similar to these good
Saints, I invite you to become as a little child and feel again “the
great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the
coming of the Redeemer into the world.”
5
Childlike faith in the perfect love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will “divide asunder”
6
Satan’s snares of inadequacy, imperfection, and guilt.
Proverbs teaches, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
7
May I suggest—in addition to consistent prayers, scripture
study, and Church and temple attendance—five changes to your thoughts
and heart to more fully feel the tender love of God.
First, see yourself as a precious child of a loving Father in Heaven.
Our children with confidence sing, “I am a child of God, and he has sent me here.”
8
Little children feel and know what perhaps you have forgotten.
You are the beloved son or daughter of Heavenly Father, created “in his
own image,”
9
and of immense value—so much so that Jesus Christ gave His life for you.
God the Father
is merciful and has infinite love for you despite your faults. Only the
voice of Satan will cause you to feel of no value. In contrast, the
Holy Ghost will cause you to feel “godly sorrow”
10
unto repentance in a manner that fills you with hope of positive change.
When you feel worthless, “remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”
11
Refrain from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about
yourself—there is a clear difference between humility and humiliation.
Identify and use your unique talents rather than dwelling on your
weaknesses.
Second, place your burdens on Jesus Christ.
When you feel overwhelmed by expectations and challenges, do not
fight the battle alone. Follow the example of small children, and drop
to your knees in prayer.
Jesus Christ has commanded us, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”
12
Doubt, fear, and worry indicate we have taken all of life’s
burdens and anxieties on ourselves. When plagued by thoughts that you
are inadequate, confidently say, “I can do all things through Christ
which strengtheneth me.”
13
Then as you “cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power,”
14
you can rest assured that the Lord will do the remainder and things will work out all right.
The Savior promised, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
15
As you “cast [your] burden upon the Lord,”
16
you will feel the peace of the Spirit.
17
Third, forgive yourself of sins and imperfections.
...
Fourth, sustain hope of eternal life.
...
Fifth, find joy each day.
...
I
testify of Heavenly Father, who in great and wonderful love reaches out
to each of His children. I bear witness of Jesus Christ, who is “mighty
to save”
29
us from our inadequacies, imperfections, and sins. I bear
testimony of the Holy Ghost, who will accompany the imperfect yet
penitent soul. To you faithful and worthy Saints who struggle with
latter-day snares of the devil,
30
“may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son.”
31
In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."
I have been struggling with feelings of inadequacy. I don't know how I will ever realize the expectations I have for myself, to say nothing of the admonition to "be ye therefore perfect." Some days, I don't even know if I can fulfill such mundane tasks as doing the dishes or taking a shower, let alone teaching my children in love and patience. There are so many times that I fall so short of where I would like to be, and where I feel like I should be. It's painful.
I do need to remind myself in those times that perhaps I am trying too much to do it by myself. Like a toddler unable to tie my shoes, I need to stop insisting on doing it all by myself. I need to allow my Savior to help me in all things so that I can receive His grace and strength.
One of my favorite lines of hymn says:
...
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene--one step enough for me
...
I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now,
Lead thou me on!
...
I need to keep telling myself that one step is enough for me, so long as I know that what I am doing is according to His will. I do not need all the answers, I only need to take that one step in faith. With the help of His immeasurable strength we will accomplish more than I ever imagined of myself alone.
Lead thou me on!
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