What can I expect from the Savior?

Question

Dear Gramps,

It’s clear that I have so many faults and weaknesses that I’ll never be able to overcome in this life without the Savior. My question for you is this: What kind of help can I reasonably expect on a daily basis from the Savior? I’m confused as to what He expects me to do, versus what He will do. I’ve prayed many times for a change of heart and for certain things to happen, but for the most part they never do. For example, I’ll pray before bed that I can have clean dreams during the night, but sometimes they happen anyway. Or I’ll pray that I might wake up in the morning with the Spirit, but mostly it doesn’t happen. Temptations still come, weaknesses still exist. So I’m kind of confused as to what to expect from Him and where to go with all of this. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Roger

Answer

Roger,

This is a question that I think many of us don’t ask until we are in the situation you find yourself in right now. The good news is that the answer is not only available, but the reasoning for it is also available for our learning.

By way of example, allow me a lengthy quote from the Savior’s ministry. Lazarus has died, and Jesus went with his Apostles to bring him back to life. The entire story starts in John 11 with verse 1 to 44. Instead of putting it all here, I want to encourage you to prayerfully read it yourself. For now, I’ll focus on the verses that will help you understand the answer.

John 11:34-44

34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

 

35 Jesus wept.

 

36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

 

37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

 

38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

 

39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

 

40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

 

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

 

42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

 

43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

 

44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Now, let’s understand how loving Jesus was during his ministry on the earth. Jesus lived his life in a clear display of love for everyone, and a willingness to help all those in need, with certain conditions.

This first example shows how Jesus only used His sacred powers when they were the only solution to the problem. In verse 34 he asks ‘Where have ye laid him?’. In verse 39 he says ‘Take ye away the stone.’. In verse 44 he says ‘Loose him, and let him go.’

In each of these moments, surely Jesus could have used His power to accomplish what was needed. He surely could have determined on His own where Lazarus was laid. He could have but spoken and moved the stone from blocking the entrance. And He could have just as easily spoken and freed the living Lazarus from his burial wrappings. The question is why didn’t He?

The answer is that Jesus expects us to do everything we can first. Once we have exhausted our options, and fulfilled every part that we can, then His power comes to our aid through the Atonement. That is when He is glad to cover the gap we cannot reach across on our own.

If you read the other miracles Jesus wrought during His life, you’ll also notice another common theme. That theme is the need for sufficient faith. As we proceed along the path of repentance, we are always in need of faith. First we need faith that we can be forgiven, and that can be a difficult step for us. Then we need faith in Jesus that He not only can forgive us, but that He wants to forgive us.

Roger, I assure you that Jesus lives. I also assure you that as He lives, He not only can forgive you, but He is eager to forgive you. He can’t wait to see you beat the difficulties facing you. He wants to help you along the way. All that is required is that you grow sufficient faith to trust Jesus, and make sure you do all you can to prepare for that assistance and forgiveness from Him.

For example, we can’t just want to have the Spirit with us and have it happen. We have to invite the Spirit to be with us. We have to remove those things from our lives that might be interfering with our sensitivity to the Holy Ghost, and then act in ways that prompt the Holy Ghost to come to us. Mornings are great times for some scripture study or writing in a journal. Bearing a testimony on Fast Sunday is another tool we have to help feel the Spirit.

If you still feel like you’re spinning in circles, I advise you to go to your Bishop and ask for further help. There’s no better chance of conquering your weaknesses than asking for help from those around you. Continue in prayer and faith, Roger, and I promise you will see progress in your efforts.

May God be with you always

Gramps

***Artwork by Brent Borup***