Answers to prayer

The Lord has been answering my prayers in the most wonderful ways.  When I ponder and worry and feel discouraged, he lifts my thoughts and teaches me what I need to know.

During the sacrament today, I wondered if I have improved at all, if I am really a better person than I was 10 years ago.  It was a culminating question of some discouragement I have felt lately.  Then in Sunday school, he answered me.  In Isaiah 54:4, the Lord says fear not and then describes how we will not be ashamed and will not remember our past shame.  I started to cry and didn't know why.  And then, in answer to prayer,the Lord revealed why I was feeling so emotional.  I don't remember the shame from decisions I made 10 years ago because the Lord has taken it from me.  I am a better person than I was.  I just don't remember all the details of how exactly I am better because the Lord doesn't want me to live with that shame.

I am so grateful that the Lord answers prayers.

Embracing the will of the Lord

Why did Rahab the harlot live?  Yes, she saved the messengers of Israel, but why did that simple act of service mean that she and her family didn't need to die like the rest of Jericho?  Why did she get to live among the Israelites, but no one else?

In reading this story this week, I realized that her motivation for saving the messengers made the difference.  She knew that the Lord was with the children of Israel and no one could stop them.  She embraced their position as divinely mandated conquerors and chose to welcome them instead of fighting against the will of the Lord.  If the rest of Jericho had chosen faith in the Lord, rather than fighting against his will, maybe they could have been saved too.  Rahab embraced the Lord's will.  The men of Jericho barred the doors and did everything they could to protect themselves against the Lord's will.

Clearly is this story, the Lord's will was quite unpleasant for the people in the promised land.  The will of the Lord isn't always easy to follow.  But if we embrace it, we will be blessed.

A mantra for this week

Be Stong and of a Good Courage!  Today I am feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.  I read this scripture this morning and have been repeating it to myself all day.  Be strong and of a good courage.  I can do this.

Happiness

In Alma 50, there is an interesting statement.  It says there never was a happier time among the children of Nephi than in the days of Moroni, especially in the 21st year of the reign on the judges.  At this time, they have already done battle once with the Lamanites when Amalakiah was king.  He sent his armies down with the intent to conquer the Nephites and become their king.  The Nephites had lost many people in battle and had lost many people due to Amalakiah's deceptions and their stubbornness.  Amalakiah is still the king and they know they will be in danger as long as that is true, so they are building up fortifications around all of their cities.  It is a dangerous time they live in, and yet they are happier than they have ever been.  How could that be?

At this time, they are also learning the gospel more deeply through the teachings of Helaman and his brethren.  They are building new cities and are extremely prosperous in all their dealings.  They are righteous and they have peace because of it.  It seems to.me that their joy is in Christ, even though their circumstances are not ideal.

I hope I never live through anything like what they experienced, but if I do, I know I can still have joy through Christ.  And now, when the challenges of my life are smaller than theirs were - a messy house, a busy schedule, a body that tires too easily, children who are not always quick to obey - I can still have joy and peace.  It's up to me to turn to Christ and choose the joy and peace that he offers.

grace and works

I have been going back and forth in my mind over these topics.  "It is by Grace we are saved after all we can do."  But I feel like members of the church, me included, do us so much on the works part that we almost forget Grace.  How do they go together?  How do I place proper importance on both of them?  James gave me the answer this morning.  In James 2:22, it says "by works was faith made perfect".  Faith is the link between the two that brings the right perspective.

The scriptures make it clear that Christ is the only way to salvation.  His atonement is what makes eternal life possible.  But it isn't freely given.  We must keep his commandments and follow him.  But keeping commandments isn't enough.  Sometimes we act as if we can actually achieve salvation through our actions.  But the scriptures also say we gain salvation through faith.  So how do we have enough faith and how do works fit in?  By works is faith made perfect.  So I follow Christ as best I can.  I keep his commandments.  Through my efforts, my faith can be made perfect.  And perfect faith in Christ will give me access to the blessings of his Atonement.

That also explains why each of us go through different experiences in life.  God knows the best way to make my faith perfect so he sends me experiences that will move me towards that goal.

So it is true, as other religions say, that believing in Christ will get you to heaven.  What they miss out on is that the way to truly believe in Christ, to have that perfect faith, is through works.