I Stand All Amazed

Tabernacle Choir singing, "I Stand All Amazed"

All of Mormon ch. 1-6 are an account of the wars in Mormon's life, with around 54 years as a leader of the armies. He describes this time as, "a continual scene of wickedness and abominations", "and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land". It was over half a century of gruesome war and evil....yet... even in the midst of this, the Lord still loved them and tried to persuade them to repent. Mormon 3:2 says, "and it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me..." ( this is after about 30 years of war already) "...Cry unto this people-- repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared." How could a people who were so wicked turn around? Does God truly think they could listen to him? What about us? Does he ask us ever to do something that is impossible? Have you ever done something or had a weakness or challenge in your life that you felt was impossible to pass and you could see no way around? Perhaps something as simple as lack of patience within your home. Perhaps something immense as overcoming an addiction. Perhaps forgiveness to one who may never even regret the pain caused to you. Perhaps a struggle to truly understand and gain your own testimony to know if the gospel is truly the truth; especially with all the commotion and confusion in the world right now. Dieter F Uchtdorf said, "There may be times in our lives when rising up and continuing on may seem beyond our own ability." "There will be times you think you cannot continue on. Trust the Savior and his love. With faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the power and Hope of the restored gospel, you will be able to walk tall and continue on." " Heavenly Father loves us with a perfect love, He shows us where to find the answers. He has given us the map that allows us to navigate the uncertain terrain and unexpected trials that each of us encounters. The words of the prophets are part of this map... [They] tell us how to rise up and get back on track." I know I experienced this feeling of failure plenty. I slip, I fall, I do again what I just repented about last night. I'm sure we all have times in our lives we feel shame, discouragement, sadness, frustration and endless trip-up's, imperfections, and sins. Yet... Even regarding all of those things, just like to the Nephites, God our Father and Jesus Christ still love us. Jesus tries calls unto us with love and encouragement: "Repent and come unto me". Are we not all seeking for more peace? More love? More strength? More joy? More direction? I'm learning a bit more everyday of how great God is and how much He truly loves us and has open arms for each one of us. And He can help us reach those things true, constant, continual repentance and with faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. "You can do it now!" Love, Jillene Smith Elder Uchtdorf, 2013, "You Can Do It Now!"