Weekly Letter 52: The One Year Mark
Hello everyone! How was your week?
My goodness, has it already been a year? How very quick it went by! Nevertheless, just looking back at journal entries from past weeks, I am amazed at how much the Lord has helped me through the many trials I have had on the mission. I have learned more about true humility and dependence on the Lord through these many trials. And the truth in the following scripture has made more sense to me, the which I wanted to define my mission.
I remember even after my training, I was still a bit timid and struggling with the language. I didn't have the most skill in gaining confidence with others. Talking with strangers on the street was something scary for me. I was worried more about how to teach the Gospel than how to live it. Now, I cannot say that these are things which I do perfectly now, but what I can say is that I have less fear upon doing these things, and rather I enjoy them. And rather than being impediments, these have become ways in which the Lord could use me as an instrument in his work. What it required was really humbling myself before him, recognizing my strengths and my weaknesses before him, and having a want to change motivated not by shame of having the weaknesses, nor pride, nor worldly sorrow, but motivated by Godly sorrow, and consecrating the gifts I already have to develop the gifts I want to the cause of the Lord. It was indeed an exercise of faith, hope, and of charity. And as I have, through my own Gospel living, conquered my weaknesses, I have experienced more of the joy of being a servant of Christ. I am not perfect, but I am made better, and have been refined by my Maker. And I would that everyone could have that joy in their lives.
So it is my invitation to you, to recognize God as your loving Heavenly Father, who already knows what you need before you ask. And I would encourage you to pray to Him about your desires, your fears, your weaknesses, your strengths, and your transgressions. Pray to him about the things you have done during the day and what you plan to do the next. Pray to Him for forgiveness. Pray to him that He might forgive those who have caused harm to you, and forgive them. Pray to Him asking for answers to questions that you have, and do all that which is in your ability to obtain it. Pray for blessings for those you know, and do what you can to be the means by which He can bless them. Pray for strength to go on, and take the first steps in the task in which you need strength. Pray for faith, and do that which would require more faith than you have right now. Pray for hope, and pray for charity, and act in the same way. Pray for strength against temptation, that the devil might not sift you as wheat. And I can promise you, that if you strive to pray in this manner, and live in such a manner, your relationship with God will become stronger, and you will be happier. The Savior indeed provides the strength we need to live His Gospel. He has made it possible through His sacrifice for us to find eternal life. And I know that this is His Gospel and His Church. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Have a wonderful week! And in the good and the not so good, count your blessings!
Your friend and servant,
Elder Dredge
No comments:
Post a Comment