"For in His strength I can do all things"

"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 26:37.


Trials are a common thing to all who live upon this earth. Our Savior Jesus Christ has descended below us all with His trials, so that He could overcome the world...along with all it's trials...and provide us with the comfort we all desperately need. I can't imagine the feelings the Savior must have had as He bled from every pore in the Garden of Gethsemane, completely alone. And then again when He was hanging on the cross and He cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Alone, humble, and completely perfect. He sacrificed everything and in turn, we don't have to.


For the majority of my life I have had knee problems. In attempt to fix these problems, I had surgery in June 2012 on both of my knees. It has been one roller coaster of a ride to get through the pain and limitations that have so easily accompanied this trial.

Today, my knees really hurt.

I have spent a good deal of my time pondering as to why some people face different trials in their lives. After all, if I want to be a professional runner or swimmer or dancer, shouldn't I be able to? The limitations of my physical body are a real struggle for me in my life. Why do I have to go through this? Why not something else?

This is why.

I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. He knows my potential and my capabilities and wants me to have success. He wants me now and forever. As a disciple. Not as a follower who comes and goes to see the miracles or follows when it is convenient, but a true disciple who will be faithful forever.

The way we respond to trials is a big indication of our true character. God needs us to develop the character necessary to live in His presence in the Celestial Kingdom. 


SO....

In order for us to overcome our trials and develop this character, we must be humble and turn to our Savior, Jesus Christ, in total humility. Trials humble us and "awaken [us] to a sense of [our] duty to God." Alma 7:22.

My knees provide me with the opportunity to be humble. To rely on God and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Even when it hurts, I know that Heavenly Father has allowed me to have this trial in my life so that I can become who He wants ME to become. 

Instead of looking at our trials as burdens, look at them as blessings and ways to "stir us up in remembrance of our duty to God." 


Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.


As we follow our Father's plan and bear the pains of this world, we will find our own joyful end through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This is my testimony, in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.