Today’s Reading: Helaman 4
13 . . .[T]hey were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands.
The other day as I was pedaling my bike along a local trail, I found my mind wandering back to another bike ride I took over 25 years ago in the town of Montecarlo, Argentina. I was a missionary at the time, and as I recall, it had been a somewhat ordinary proselyting day for me and my companion—no Ensign-worthy miraculous moments but no real heartbreaking disappointing moments either. Still, it was the end of a long, busy day, and I was ready to return to our apartment to rest.
We hopped on our bikes and began the long trek home. All was going well until we reached “The Hill,” the long, slow incline that was the only route back from our work area to our sleeping quarters. I was familiar with “The Hill” (had battled with it dozens of times before), but tonight as I felt my legs burning, the lactic acid bathing my muscles in pain, I wanted to stop. I wanted my companion to stop. I wanted both of us to be magically transported back to our apartment without expending another ounce of energy.
I know I didn’t cry out, even silently, in prayer at that moment. It frankly didn’t occur to me that I deserved that help, yet my Heavenly Father chose to bless me anyway as I inexplicably began to feel myself moving swiftly and painlessly the rest of the way home. Had He sent angels to push me up that hill? Had He instantaneously healed and renewed my muscles to make me equal to the task? I don’t know, but I do know that at the moment, I moved with a strength that was not my own.
That experience was a “tender mercy” [1] in my life—a reminder that Heavenly Father loved me and valued my service as a missionary. And I like to think about that reminder whenever I feel weak or overwhelmed by the circumstances of my life. “Left in my own strength,” I cannot suddenly solve all of my anxious teenager’s problems. “Left in my own strength,” I cannot adequately answer all the questions of my grieving friend. “Left in my own strength,” I cannot forge lasting peace between alienated family members. Yet, if my heart is pure and I am trying my best to be obedient, to repent, to keep my intentions pure, to exercise faith in my Savior, I can count on the Spirit of the Lord to strengthen me to do all those things.
Elder Jack Goaslind taught:
“[Heavenly Father] desires to bless and strengthen us. He will make us equal to every righteous task we undertake in His name. He will magnify many times over our own natural ability. You can succeed beyond your own strength if you learn to rely on the Spirit of the Lord” [2]
Sisters, let us all succeed beyond our strength by relying on the Spirit of the Lord.
I am a daughter of God who loves me. I am also a wife, mother, sister, and friend. After moving around the country for the first 32 years of my life, I happily settled in Orem, Utah, where I find myself surrounded by beautiful mountains, amazing friends, and awe-inspiring temples. I love to read, hike, bike, and study and teach the word of God.
This reminds me of pioneers who felt like their carts were being pushed. Loved it!! It is so comforting to have the lord carry us when we least expect it. Beautiful!