Had an eventful and emotional week this week as we watched our investigators cope with the stresses of life and try to thwart whatever Satan throws at them. Through it all just praying 24.7, wishing that we could be with them always, and then having to wait patiently, and trust that they will conquer their old habits. Unfortunately, no one was able to make it to church this week.
But we did find 2 New Investigators this week:) Isaac abd Michelle are their names. They have been living together for about 9 years but have only been married for 2. So yay:) We served them this past Friday, they fed us that night, and then we taught them:) They are so kind, humble, and ready. Please pray for them!
I just want to start off by testifying of the Redeeming and Enabling Power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, with a specific focus on the Enabling power. David O. Mckay said: "The purpose of the Gospel is to make bad men good, and good men better. And to change human Nature." That is what's possible as we access the enabling power of the Savior's Atonement in our lives...I bear my testomony that because of this enabling power that the Atonement is not just for sinners, but for saints as well. We learn in Mosiah 3:19 to "put off the Natural man"...To put off the natural man means to access the enabling power of the Master. And to draw from his Holy merits, mercy, and Grace. As we putt off the Natural man we will begin to turn away from evil, and towards that which is good. Putting off the Natural man is about making a turn. Turning "out" like the Character of christ. When the Natural man in all of us wants to turn "in". It is the enabling power that transforms us into "New creatures" as we learn from Paul. And is the Power in which our weaknesses are made strong. So long as we are humble as we learn in Ether 12:27. But as I met with, worshipped with, and prayed with our Investiagtors this week, my mind weighed heavily upon the merit of him who "Delivers" us from Bondage. From that "enemy who holds us captve"…every single one of our Investigators are struggling with some sort of temporary trial or hardship. Satan is working on everyone, and at times he succeeds. As missionaries we at times need to learn what it means to stand back and let them struggle. Learn, recieve, and act for themselves. Imagine how our Father feels...? The Book of Mormon illustrates this idea perfectly...
Mosiah 24: 13-16...
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 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 their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.
I pray that you will all read these verses again, and then act and access the power that comes from such FAITH. The Lord did not literally lift their burdens from off their back. It was not the burden that changed. Rather it was the Enabling power of the Savior in which they recieved because of their FAITH they excercised in HIM. That is why FAITH is a source of power. I bear testimony that FAITH is the first principle of the Gospel by divine desgin. If we are to become "New Creatures" then FAITH must not be contingent upon our outcomes. Let us al learn this one lesson.
God will never keep us in a trial longer than we are able...He loves us, and knows what is best. May we trust him thrugh the thick and thin. And excercie Faith on his Son. Faith that is not contingent upon outcomes.
Love, Elder Judd
1. Connie, a LA who is my fav!
2. Service
3. Mike our Investigator (He had just finished his 24th beer before we took this picture)
4. Exchanges with Elder Riches
5. Georgia Bergman is leaving on her mission (member family in the ward)
No comments:
Post a Comment