David A. Bednar teaches us...
“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. (see 1)
“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” (Jacob 4:6–7).
Brothers and sisters, please pay particular attention to the word grace as it is used in the verse I just read. In the Bible Dictionary we learn that the word grace frequently is used in the scriptures to connote a strengthening or enabling power: (see 2)
“The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. (see 3)
“… It is likewise through the of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. (see 4) This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts” (p. 697).
Thus, the enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. (see 5) I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior’s Atonement is real. Without that strengthening power of the Atonement, I could not stand before you this morning.
Can we sense the grace and strengthening power of Christ in the testimony of Ammon? “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” (Alma 26:12). Truly, brothers and sisters, in the strength of the Lord we can do and endure and overcome all things.
-from In the Strength of the Lord October GC 2004 (emphasis added)
1. Ok First of all, can you imagine the trees, mountains, or waves obeying you? It creates quite a visual image in your mind. It is an amazing illustration of the strength of the faith of these people in Jesus Christ, for this is obviously something that you could not accomplish without God's power. It seems like an exclamation point or special emphasis on the size, power, importance, and strength of their faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Second, the Lord shows us our weaknesses in contrast to His grace, condescension, and power. We have to know our sins in order to partake of His atonement. Our human nature makes it necessary for us to rely on Him. Our sins, weaknesses, and problems can become strengths through Him. Is He showing you where you need to improve? Don't get discouraged by your faults. He wants you to see them in order to lean on Him in overcoming them.
3. Next, grace makes us stronger or enables us to do something. Through the Lord's grace we are better able to do things of which we thought ourselves incapable, or which we even thought impossible. What impossible tasks are facing you in your life right now? He will help. He loves you. His mercy is bountiful.
4. Now, are there good works that you are just too tired to carry on? Are you worn out? Are you too tired to continue in the service you have been asked to give? Does it seem too much? Do not despair. Through your faith and repentance you will receive strength and assistance. Don't try to do it alone. Lean on the Lord.
5. As Elder Bednar says, "Thus, the enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity."
