Could Christ Help Me Overcome My Impossible-to-Overcome Weaknesses?
Real change isn’t easy. But because of Jesus Christ, we can have hope that it is possible.
I began listening to general conference with one question: Can Jesus Christ really turn my weaknesses into strengths?
As I’ve grown more aware of my weaknesses, I’ve realized that I rarely share my struggles with others. Talking about my struggles is uncomfortable, and as a young adult it’s hard to find consistent friends you trust enough to share your weaknesses with. But suffering in silence was only hiding the feeling that my weaknesses were impossible to fix. It was easier not to try expressing struggles, because I was afraid that nothing could help me.
Opening Up to Others
Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, shared a perspective from C. S. Lewis: “Oh [humankind], how cleverly you defend yourselves [from] all that might do you good!”
I realized that when I choose not to open up in prayer or to other people, I suffer alone, choosing to yet again defend myself from what will do me good. That choice creates distance between me and my Savior. But He is the one who can help me overcome my fears and turn my weaknesses into strengths.
The Power of Real Repentance
Sister Yee also shared counsel from Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Real repentance, real change may require repeated attempts, but there is something refining and holy in such striving. Divine forgiveness and healing flow quite naturally to such a soul.”
Real change isn’t easy. But because of Jesus Christ, we can have hope that it is possible.
This was a new hope I wanted to hold close to my heart and help to grow. But how?
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Hope is a living gift, a gift that grows as we increase our faith in Jesus Christ.”
Increasing my faith in Jesus Christ means believing Him when He says that He can heal, change, and refine me—even if it takes time.
While I’m still learning how to let my weakness bring me closer to Christ, I am learning! My prayers are becoming more intentional as I’ve expressed my raw emotions to Heavenly Father. My friends and family have been able to better support me because I’ve told them how I’m really doing. I no longer suffer alone.
Doing this has ultimately led to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He can heal my broken heart and help me experience the true joy of my redemption (see Moses 5:11).