Wk 8: Overcoming Challenges

Sister Patricia Holland wanted to impress this upon the students of BYU back in 1983. This is timeless counsel with eternal applications. 

"The only limitations you have are those you set on yourselves. All of the tools and texts are here, right at your hand. But sometimes we cannot recognize the real purpose and significance of the moment which is ours to experience. That’s because too many of us learn only through our heads and not through our hearts! A common man or woman will hear only the commonplace, but a man or a women connected to the powers of heaven will learn to be an inheritor of those powers."

It is so important to accept the fact that God, as our loving Heavenly Father and omnipotent master, has given us all we need to become who we are meant to be. Each moment can be a stepping stone in the right direction. We can learn all that is required of us when we partner with Him, thus becoming "connected to the powers of heaven". The ability to wield those powers of heaven comes by working within our divine nature. 

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days." D&C 64:33-34

Is my heart in it? Do I have a willing mind? I believe that the Lord will prepare me for what He needs me to do. Then I have to stick with it. That will be the challenge. As Elder Holland encouraged, "The best things are always worth finishing... Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. Dream dreams and see visions. Work toward their realization. Wait patiently when you have no other choice. Lean on your sword and rest a while, but get up and fight again." 

"In the private sanctuary of one’s own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the stature of true potential." (President Monson)

This is my takeaway from our studies. We have potential, temporal and eternal potential, given to us by God. We don't even realize yet what that might look like. Trust in Him allows us to seek after that potential with determination. The path will turn and twist, I imagine, but it must be a safer road than one we pave on our own. 

The "old person" that I need to cast off, is full of self-doubt. I know that living a faithful life brings blessings not only for my spiritual well-being but for my temporal welfare as well. I am grateful for a loving, Heavenly Father who is willing to guide and direct me, who is patient with me, and who trusts me to learn and progress.


https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/jeffrey-r-and-patricia-t-holland/however-long-hard-road/

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/04/looking-back-and-moving-forward?lang=eng

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