My Strength

Too often in the Church we have taught and stressed the works part of “grace and works” to the exclusion of teaching about grace. In addition, the adversary is very good at tempting us with thoughts that it is all up to us, and there is no way we can do it all. He points out that there are too many commandments and we are inadequate and there is no way we can save ourselves. Well, in this case (for once!) he isn’t lying. He is right. We can’t do it all, and God knew that, and so He sent His Son to do it for us. 

All of the prophets understood this and perhaps it is why they are great. They knew in whom they trusted, and it wasn’t in themselves and in their own ability to do all that needed to be done. Instead they trusted in God. As Isaiah says, “My God shall be my strength” (1 Nephi 21:5 and Isaiah 49:5).

So much of the Unnecessary Pain we bring upon ourselves can be eliminated by just remembering this one phrase, “My God shall be my strength.” When we start to feel inadequate or when the adversary taunts us with thoughts of our mistakes and failings and insufficiencies, all we need to do is say, “I know I’m inadequate. I know I can’t do it. But Jesus Christ can, and He is my strength.” Just saying the words aloud is empowering.

I know I’m not righteous, but Jesus Christ is, and He has promised to save me. Oh, how blessed I am.