"Bear All These Things With Patience"

Last night I was reading in the twelfth chapter of Ether in the Book of Mormon. In verse 27 it reads:

“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 Lord himself is speaking in that verse.

After reading this I asked myself two questions. Am I patient with the faults and weaknesses of others? Am I patient with myself and rely on the Lord as I work to overcome my weaknesses? Patience has never been one of my strengths. It takes a lot of faith to have patience. When we have patience we are willing to wait for the Lord’s promised blessings to be fulfilled. We have to be patient with all people, especially ourselves, as we work to overcome faults and weaknesses and strive to develop Christ-like attributes. The Lord promises that He will “make weak things becoming strong unto [us]”. He always keeps His promises.

“God’s grace is sufficient. Jesus’ grace is sufficient. It is enough. It is all we need. Don’t quit. Keep trying. Don’t look for escapes and excuses. Look for the Lord and His perfect strength. Don’t search for someone to blame. Search for someone to help you. Seek Christ, and, as you do, I promise you will feel the enabling power we call His amazing grace.” (Brad Wilcox, Brigham Young University Devotional Address, July 12, 2011)

As we seek Christ we will one day be able to say “I ‘did bear all these things with patience because the Lord was with [me]’.” (Alma 38:4)