Simple Thought

Recently I have begun listening to K-LOVE (a Christian radio station) because it seems to be one of the only uplifting stations I can find these days. Tonight I was touched by a spiritual thought, and I wanted to share it. It was from Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life". I have read this book, and although I am not in complete agreement with everything in it, I feel that it is truly an inspired book that has blessed millions of lives including mine. So the spiritual thought was that we have a tendency to make the excuse in our lives that God won't use us for His purposes because we aren't "good enough". We feel inadequate and become discouraged, and our capacity to do good is lessened. But Warren argues that, "All God's giants were weak people." He goes on to specify the weaknesses of some of the greatest prophets and spiritual leaders of all time:
-"Moses' weakness was his temper but God transformed him into "the humblest man on earth."
-Gideon's weakness was low self-esteem and deep insecurities but God transformed him into a "mighty man of valor."
-Abraham's weakness was fear but he became "the father of those who have faith."
-Impulsive, weak-willed Peter became "a rock."
-The adulterer David became "a man after my own heart."
-Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samual are other examples of men whose weaknesses were turned into strengths.

We can also liken this to the prophets in the Book of Mormon. Here are just a few examples I could think of:

-Enoch described himself as “but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech.” (Moses 6:31)
-Ether was unpopular- people “esteemed him as naught.” (Ether 13:13)
-Alma the younger and Enos both had a rebellious past.
-Moroni did not have the gift of good judgment in writing "for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing" (Ether 12:24)

But in spite of these weaknesses, look at the great work that Heavenly Father performed through each one of them! Their words and the examples of their lives continue to bless the world.

These examples of "weak" men, give me hope that the Lord can do a mighty work through all those who are willing to put their trust in Him. I believe that each of us have an entirely unique mission to perform on this earth, and that the Lord can use His weak instruments, to bless other people's lives. I believe that this is only possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. We are made perfect in Christ through his grace, and through our faith, repentance, and obedience to His commandments.

Ether 12:27- And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

The "gospel" truly is the good news! It is a message of hope for all of us weak ones.