I Can do All Things Through Christ

The night before we left for Peru 6/26/2022

Nearly three years ago when we were called to be mission leaders, I was overwhelmed by the responsibility. Those called as mission leaders seemed in my mind to have qualities and capabilities way beyond my own. As it has turned out, this is true, and I was right.  Since coming to Arequipa, I have never had a day where our responsibilities felt under control or routine because they constantly change so it is an unimaginable challenge.  

However, it is also a great adventure and blessing because we have come to know that this really is God’s work, and it is successful and goes forward despite our weaknesses and flaws.  Thankfully, we have had this unique opportunity to see the power of God work through us and magnify our efforts daily as we move forward striving to do this always in His way.   A scripture found in Jacob 4:6-7 of the Book of Mormon communicates this thought well.

6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.

Personally, I have not yet seen trees obey us or mountains move, but I testify that I have seen our missionaries assigned here in Peru Arequipa act as if they are a force of nature as they have exercised faith to teach, testify, and literally change the lives of hundreds of people in extraordinary ways. These young missionaries have sacrificed much in order to accept the call to do something way beyond their capabilities because of their faith in Jesus Christ.  It has personally been a remarkable privilege to witness this miracle each and every day of the mission. This has changed me because I now know just like our young missionaries that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Pedregal District Conference 06/02/2024

Other related scriptures:

Alma 26:12

Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever. 

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.