TDE - intro (1)

TDE –

These initials are scattered all over my scriptures - and have been for years. All of us have been given counsel or direction from the Lord – Priesthood Leaders – Friends and just those with whom we admire or look up to. How this counsel comes and what it says should dictate how high up the priority list such advice should be placed. When my boss asks me to do something it takes on a different form than if he suggests that I try something. The consequences can be devastating if I ignore it. The scriptures are full of advice, commands and counsel. These should be followed by all of us and there is a blessing or consequence for such obedience or failure to listen when directed. (D&C 130) This is also true with the words of living prophet and those whom are called to lead us. These suggestions, commands, counsel are many times quite general and it’s hard to see the immediate reward or consequences of our actions. Other times their words are extremely direct and the benefit or petrels are easy to understand. When we receive advice from someone, it may be a great idea in most situations, but it might not be what is in our best interest. As a young return missionary I went to meet with my old priest advisor. I was looking for help on what I should do with the rest of my life. He is very successful in the eyes of the world as well as in spiritual matters. He gave me the advice that he could think of, but after further review and prayer – it wasn’t what was needed for me. Was he flawed in his thinking – not at all, it was great advise, but not what path I was suppose to follow. No matter what advice we receive there is always a source to verify, confirm and receive additional direction. These confirmations and direction can become an anchor for us in the storms of life. The Lord has told us he would “speak peace to our minds. What greater witness can you have than from God?” (D&C 6: 23) These confirmations don’t usually just come; we need to work to receive them. “You have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it be right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore you shall feel that it is right.” (D&C 9: 7-8) Hopefully each of us has very personal and direct inspiration. This personal revelation is the basis of our testimonies and the strength we need to withstand the difficulties we face. Other personal direction can come to us in the form of blessings, including our patriarchal blessings. This is a time in your life you receive scripture for your personal life. I have read a number of blessings over the years – all of which are related to me, ancestors, my spouse and children. With that being said, I would still say that I have a blessing that is very unique and some what confusing. Occasionally, in very little detail, I have discussed my blessing with a number of close and trusted friends. But the counsel I have received in my blessing isn’t meant for them or for their interpretations – such confirmations and understanding needs to come from God. In my blessing I am given a number of different assignments, one such assignment is to study intently the missionary experiences in the Book of Mormon, specifically from the books of Mosiah to Moroni. As I do so I’m told to see the value of Truly Dedicated Effort, and the results that it has on the individuals and events as they truly dedicate their lives to the Lord and missionary work. This is the reason I have the initials TDE scattered among the pages of that wonderful book. I have read the Book of Mormon many times, and occasionally looked for certain themes or direction. One of my favorite times, I underlined all of the references of the Savior and His teachings. What a wonderful experience, if you were to try this you would find that there are only a couple of chapters in that great book where there wouldn't be any markings. Indeed it is another testament of Christ. This TDE isn’t just applicable to missionary work – but you’ll find the results of any dedicated effort and the blessings that can become part of such a life.

Infirmities..

During our time here on earth, all of us individually or through someone close to us, will be burdened with difficult afflictions or imperfections. Those that suffer aren't the only ones that have a hard time with these circumstances. Many times these difficulties bring sorrow or worry to those that love and watch over the afflicted.

Some of our friends just found out that their twenty-year-old daughter has thyroid cancer. The success rate for a complete cure with such an early detection is extremely high – but any kind of cancer is a concern and there is always a possibility of side effects, something that could hinder her ability to live a normal life or to have a family. My mother-in-law experienced sorrow and discouragement when her last child was born with Down Syndrome. If we had only dwelt on the fact that there are certain things he would never have the opportunity to experience, we could have missed the wonderful loving qualities that he has brought into the family. Now he is a great blessing to all of us. These positives were hard to recognize twenty-five years ago when she and her two oldest daughters were expecting children at the same time.

These infirmities are difficult and taxing to the individual or a family. How we face and handle these challenges can change the possible outcomes and its eternal consequences. A friend became mad at God because his daughter was stricken with diabetes. From a medical standpoint this disability doesn't seem as devastating as the other two examples – but it doesn't minimize the difficulties that could be imposed upon his child. This raised questions about her future and the possible complications that could follow this condition. Another man questioned the existence of a just God as his wife was diagnosed with cancer for the second time within a few short years.

In both of these cases they allowed the trials to drive them away from the Savior, becoming less-active in the church. Because of the sorrow or fear of the unknown it can be understandable that such difficulties could in reality make someone move away from the greatest source of truth and relief. Often it happens at the point when heavenly assistance and direction is needed the most. Why do some individuals react this way when others with similar or even harder circumstances draw closer to the Savior and the peace he offers? It’s not my intent to criticize or demean such reactions, sadly they are normal and heart felt emotions that all of us have experienced

These weaknesses may in reality be the lessons or blessings that we need or that will prepare us for the missions we're assigned to complete. These buffetings can give us the strength and guidance we need to succeed.

Paul to the Corinthians talked about the thorn or weakness that he was given and despite his attempts at pleading for relief, the Lord told him that these weaknesses would help him to be stronger.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I don’t know how many times you have gloried in your infirmities, or “most gladly” accepted them. He did, and it brought him the power of Christ. These weaknesses helped him grow in a manner he couldn't have in any other way – “for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

This viewpoint or perspective is the first step in handling or accepting the difficulties we face: That an all knowing and loving God is in reality allowing us to experience these trials as part of our earthly test and progression. But as stated by Paul, we must remember the Saviors grace is sufficient to get us through our challenges and that his strength is adequate in making our weaknesses strong, enabling us to receive the power of Christ in our lives.

We must understand that our attitude will influence our perspective and direction in all facets of our lives. We may have all of our worldly possessions taken away or even lose our liberty, but how we react and what we do with our thoughts is our choice. Just think of the life of Job and the trials he faced in his life.

To ignore this process is also to ignore the continual blessings that the Lord has given to us. Our loving Father in Heaven has indeed given us all that we have and are. A lack of gratitude and thankfulness in such situations shows a selfish and greedy attitude. No wonder King Benjamin said the natural man is an enemy to God (Mos. 3:19). Such recognitions are made know unto us through the power of the spirit. Paul stated they are spiritually discerned and not available to the natural man, indeed they are foolishness unto him (1 Cor 2:14). Despite the fact that our challenges seem overwhelming and unfair – a closer look would reveal our continued indebtedness to our Father in Heaven. In the church song we are told to "count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

This recognition of the Lords hand in our lives can be the root of the faith and hope that we need and the assurance that He will continue to guide and direct us in our times of need. Despite our best effort, there are times that discouragement and doubt overtake our feeling of hope, bringing us down. Using the analogy that faith is like a seed (Alma 32), that assurance may start out small, then as we nourish it, it will begin to grow even to a perfect knowledge that God's purposes will be done and that we will not be allowed to suffer more than we have capacity to bear. During such moments of despair it’s difficult to take the opportunity to list the blessing we have received in your life. Even if we serve him with our whole souls yet we would be unprofitable servants (Mos.2: 21). Indeed, we will always in debit to God for the blessing we have received.

This action many times is easier said than done. In Paul's confession he admitted that he asked that his thorn in the flesh might be removed thrice. Thrice seems like a small number for the majority of us, there have been times I have seemingly prayed for years for the guidance and direction I felt that I needed. After his declaration he said of the Lord, "and he said unto me." Then is when he received his answer, no it isn't always the answer we thought it would be. But his grace is sufficient, and our weaknesses are strengthened as His will is achieved.

As I talked with the father of the young lady diagnosed with cancer, I was overwhelmed with an assurance that she would be all right. I marveled at their courage and faith in the power of the Savior, He was in control of the situation. This event was in fact a miracle, as a medical exam was being given in preparation for a possible mission. An opportunity to serve will need to be put on hold - but her strength and testimony has been multiplied as the power of the Savior's love has rested upon her. My testimony has grown by the manifestation of the spirit and the dedication of this wonderful family. Infirmities and challenges are a part of each of our experiences in this life, how we accept them and use them to draw closer to the Savior and his love is how our weaknesses are made perfect in Christ.

Definition..

When someone talks about infirmities, what comes to your mind? The more we consider or evaluate the definition there is a wide range of possibilities. A person’s perspective is skewed by their personal experiences or by those with whom they associate. Some may put them into at least three different categories – physical, mental or spiritual. The cause of such difficulties could also widely be categorized – inherited, natural, accidental, self inflicted or imposed. There could be many more, depending on an individuals understanding or perspective. If I started to list what possible things could be included on the list, every one of you would be able to add personal situations that should be considered. I have a copy of the Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, that isn’t so new; it’s more than thirty years old. I looked up the words infirm and infirmities. INFIRM: 1) of poor or deteriorated vitality; feeble from age. 2): week of mind, will, or character: IRRESOLUTE, VACILLATING. 3): Not solid or stable: INSECURE. INFIRMITY: 1) a: the quality or state of being infirm. b: the condition of being feeble: FRAILTY. 2) DISEASE, MALADY. 3): Personal failing: FOIBLE. As you can see all of the above generalizations are covered. When I first think of infirmities I seemingly gravitate to the physical difficulties that many are challenged with. But in my life I’ve had more challenges with the mental and spiritual categories. Though one category may be the root of the situation all three can be part of the overall result. An example of this is brought home with the birth of a child that is physically handicapped. None of us would question the possible mental anguish and worry that would accompany such an event, or some individual’s tendencies to question their faith or the existence of a caring God. The reactions to these circumstances or challenges are difficult to predict or understand unless you have walked in their shoes. But even then each situation is unique and personal to those that are involved. The way one person reacts in comparison to another is difficult to understand or to quantify. This is true even in the closest relationships, one individual seemingly is able to handle the situation while those closest to them may struggle bringing additional pressures to the relationship. I know a family that was dealing with the unexpected and tragic death of a child, they had many emotions and challenges to endure. For them these were accelerated as well meaning but uninformed individuals told them they understood what they were going through. How could they possibly understand what they were going through? All of us have and will continue to experience forms of trials, pains, difficulties that could be grouped into the definition of infirmities. These pains and heartaches give us experience and will help us to understand a portion of the sorrow that those around us are going through; this enables us to lend some of the support they so badly need. But we need to understand that their pain is unique and personal to their situation. With the exception of a few professionals, it’s not our place nor are we qualified to evaluate these situations individually. The wonderful news of the gospel is that there is someone that is qualified, that does in reality understand what each of us are going through and is able and willing to give us the direction and relief we seek. His infinite atonement covers all of the pain and sorrow any of us will be called to endure.

Lighten our loads..

The Lord can lighten our loads; this isn't always by relieving the weight or pain associated with them, but is because we are made stronger. This happened to Alma and his people as they were in bondage to the Lamanites; "And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up the burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (Mos. 24:15) They were still under the same burdens, but as they became stronger it became easier. I like the fact that they even submitted cheerfully to their challenges. Our burdens are intended to help us grow, but I don't know if I have ever cheerfully accepted such challenges. I have been able to patiently endure them as I search for the Lords will in my life.

To cheerfully endure our burdens was the counsel the Lord gave to the prophet Joseph Smith during one the most difficult times of his life. In the liberty jail the prophet felt so alone and discouraged that he began his prayer – “Oh God, where art thou?” (D&C 121: 1) This was a man that in the process of the restoration saw and talked with one of the greatest groups of heavenly messengers ever assembled, including God the Father himself and His son the Savior Jesus Christ. He felt alone, discouraged and wanted to know where God was in his life. In answer to this humble pray, in my opinion is one of the greatest revelations ever give, which comprise sections 121 – 123 of the Doctrine in Covenants. The last verse of this revelation reads: “Therefore, dearly beloved, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” (D&C 123: 17)

This is a great lesson, that first we need to do all in our power, then we need to stand still and trust that the lord will make up the difference. If we are doing what is right and if it is in accordance with the will of the Lord, we can be assured that what needs to be done will be accomplished.