I was feeling a bit frustrated with work today. So at lunch I took a 20 minute walk to the corner gas station for a Diet Coke (almost caffeine free) refill. I took my I-pod and decided that I’d listen to a chapter from the scriptures. I selected Ether 12. I have always liked that chapter — you know the one where the Lord tells us he’d make our weaknesses into strengths? Well maybe it’s that I had the scriptures actually jammed in my ear that I actually caught something different this time – because it doesn’t say that at all in Ether 12. This is what it says:
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. (Ether 12:27)
Did I really hear that right? So I hit the “back” button on the I-pod. “I show unto them their weakness . . . I will make weak things become strong.” He didn’t say I’ll show them their weaknesses! And He didn’t say he’d “poof” turn them in strengths either. Why have I always thought it was like if I’m righteous enough I’ll get to stand in the Return/Exchange line at Walmart and turn in all the crappy stuff I got in life (weaknesses) and get new and better stuff (strengths?)
Wow – I don’t think it’s like that at all. So here I am – Diet Coke in hand (mostly caffeine free I might add) and in my mind I picture a bridge. The bridge is beautiful but it has a weak spot in it. I can see the weak spot because God has shown me where it is– but then — the cool part — He comes in and reinforces the weak spot. HE makes that weak place strong so it won’t break. The weak spot is still there. But it’s completely reinforced and held together by the strength and grace of the Lord. Even if the elements pound on that weak spot or big dumb diesels run over it ever day it will be strong — because He has made it strong.
I can see so clearly my weakness and I am beginning to see that because of the Saviors love and grace (enabling power) He is busily reinforcing all those areas and making them strong unto me.
2 Comments
March 27, 2008 at 4:47 am
I think this is one of my most favoritest insights you’ve ever shared. This is BEAUTIFUL, DeAnn. And I needed to know that I’m being reinforced. THANKS!
March 27, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Absolutely beautiful. I think I have actually misquoted that wonderful scripture. Thank you for the depth of your thoughts. I am better because you cared enough to search for answers. You’re the best!