In a recent training meeting we were taught by inspired Church leaders. The Spirit was strong. The theme of the meeting was: “All of life’s problems, including death, can be solved through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.” At first this statement seemed almost too good to be true. ‘All’ is such an absolute concept. No wiggle room. Nothing to debate. Nothing to question. Not ‘almost all’, but ‘all’! What a comforting thought for anyone with problems (Jn. 14:27) – which conveniently, happens to be ‘all’ of us.
This statement made me ask myself, “How often do I look to the Gospel and the Savior for answers as a ‘first resort’?” Many times I mistakenly believe that I’m somehow proving myself by solving problems exclusively through the ‘arm of the flesh’ (2 Ne. 4:34), and only turn to the Gospel and the Savior as a ‘last resort’, when I’ve exhausted all other resources. Whether it’s for the simple daily problems of finding something that’s lost or making the right choice, to the heavier problems of raising teenagers or being more consistent in my spirituality or loving my spouse unconditionally, I tend to lean much too heavily on the ‘natural man’ (Mos. 3:19) and not enough on the Savior and His Gospel. It’s almost like I either want to prove something (how great I am or how independent I can be), or I think that it will somehow take away from the Lord’s time and resources if He has to take time away from His real important work to help me – I just don’t want to be a burden to Him. Both perspectives are incorrect and do not align with the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The truth is, the Savior has an infinite amount of time and an infinite amount of resources for any one of us individually (D/C 20:17). He is available to anyone with any problem who will humble themselves and ask in faith (D/C 18:18). Further, He wants us to turn to Him (Ps. 55:22). He asks and encourages us to lean on His ample arm (Hymn 120). Everyone is eligible for His love and care and guidance (Isa. 45:22; D/C 76:42). Being a recipient of His goodness and His wisdom does not take away from His ability to help any other person in any way. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). We all have equal access to the greatest mind and the source of all wisdom by seeking His perspective in our lives (James 1:5-6).
What problems are you facing that you could use the Lord’s help with? Access to His power and wisdom to solve our problems comes through prayer, the scriptures, the Sacrament, attending the temple, serving others, and consistent righteous living. Rather than being burdened with the yokes of trials and temptations, and the problems of life, we can take His yoke upon us, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30).
So, whatever the burden you’re facing, no matter how small or how big, all of the answers are available in His Gospel. Is there anything more comforting, or that offers more peace? We are not alone; we are not left to our own devices and abilities. We have the Master, the Great Physician, the Creator of All at our disposal – and He offers us unlimited and unrestricted access, twenty-four/seven (D/C 62:9). I testify of the truth of this doctrine: All of life’s problems, including death, can be solved through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. May we exercise more faith in relying more fully upon Him and His willingness and ability to solve life’s problems. I testify that our immediate as well as our ultimate happiness, is intrinsically connected to our willingness to turn to Him at all times (Zech. 1:3) – in times of tribulation and in times of peace (Deut. 4:29-31). And I do so in His Holy Name.
Wm. Calvin Hughes
March 22, 2012
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