Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Borrowed strength....


This week: Something borrowed....



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I borrowed the following quote from an LDS conference talk given by President Eyring (I also borrowed it from a fellow blogger who posted it and brought it to my remembrance, so it's a double borrow).

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"But the spirit who led the rebellion in the world before still opposes the plan and wants you to be miserable. He wants you never to find your way home again. That enemy of your soul knows you and your goodness. He knows that if he can turn you away from walking in the light, he can both capture you and stop you from helping others along the journey. He knows how good you are and your power to teach and influence hundreds of Heavenly Father's children in this life—and thousands over the generations that will follow your path. If he can get you to wander away from the light on your journey, he can do harm and bring misery to many."

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Boy did I need to hear that. I feel like I've been under attack lately. I have been so tempted to be miserable, to separate myself from everything that brings me light, hope and joy. I go through many of my days estranged from the Lord, resisting scripture study and prayer and concerning myself far too much with the things of the world. I know I can't continue this way and be happy. I am miserable without the strength of my Savior. So at this time I am Borrowing from others who are not in a funk right now. People like my wonderful visiting teacher who shared with me her insight on the story of when Jesus walked on the sea....


Matt. 14: 22-33

22 ¶ And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
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My visiting teacher shared her thoughts on how while Peter kept his eyes on the Savior he was able to stay on top of the water, but when he focused on the boisterous wind and waves he became frightened and sank into the sea. She likened this to the turmoil that arises in our lives and how if we keep our eyes on the Savior we are strengthened, but when we turn away and focus on the troubles around us we can fall into despair.

I know that I have been focusing too much on the boisterous wind and waves in my life when what I should be doing is turning my gaze toward the Lord. So I am going to continue forward, Borrowing strength from the good people around me, from the scriptures, church magazines and meetings. And from my ultimate source of strength, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.




Ether 12: 27

27 And 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.

4 comments:

Bren's Life said...

I think you are so amazing... Great thoughts & scriptures..
good luck through this time. You ever need a friend I'm here...

Chris said...

Thanks for sharing. I needed to hear that myself.

Windy said...

Great post! I needed to hear that. My husband is really struggling right now, which means I'm struggling too. I'm going to pass this on to him! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

very nice thoughts.