Learning to deal with challenges seems to be a constant of our journey here on earth. Recently I was asked to prepare a spiritual thought for a group of women of whom much has been asked in their family, personal, and church stewardships. These are some of the thoughts that came to me.
Love & Service
We are here on earth to learn to love and serve. The scriptures are full of references to love and service. The following verses show the stewardship that we take on when we are baptized, take on Christ’s name and agree to be His disciples.
“And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
“Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life...“ Mosiah 18: 8-9
How Much?
Helping bear burdens, comforting, standing at witnesses of God – all these take time and energy and there’s no way to be “finished.” They are ongoing duties, stewardships, and opportunities. How do we know how much to do? This next scripture, along with much prayer, has helped me answer that questions.
“And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, …; therefore, all things must be done in order.” Mosiah 4:27
“Wisdom, order, strength” – The Spirit can help me with all this. As I consider what the Lord wants me to do, I need to be mindful of being “diligent” and “running.” There’s no mention of meandering through life. But we are counseled to give it our all.
“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27
What is “all” our heart, soul, mind, and strength?
Finding the right pace and priorities in our stewardships is always challenging, especially when turbulence comes into our lives. We can turn to prayer and scriptures to receive guidance. Dieter Uchtdorf, formerly the chief pilot with Lufthansa German Airlines and now an apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often uses airplane stories in his talks. In “Of Things That Matter Most,” Dieter Uchtdorf reminded us that when pilots experience turbulence, they reduce speed in order to minimize the negative effects. We do the same when driving over speed bumps. We need to do this in our lives also. “Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.”
We Are Not Alone - This Is A Process - Be Patient
We are not alone in our challenges. Family and friends can be of help. Strength and support can come from the other side also.
The Lord reminds us - “ ...I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” Doctrine & Covenants 84:88
This is a process.
“For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more…” 2Nephi 28:30
We need to be patient with ourselves and others as we travel the path back to life with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
“……wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected.” Doctrine & Covenants 67:13
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