I want to quote a few things and then hopefully be able to load some pictures. Emailing our mission president every week takes up a lot of time. So I'm sorry for the short emails. Anyway... Here it is.
"I suspect that many church members are much more familiar with the nature of the redeeming and cleansing power of the atonement than they are with the strengthening and enabling power. It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to ear to die for us- that is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us- not only to direct us but also to empower us."
The atonement is for EVERYONE. I love how it talks about when we have hard circumstances.... we don't ask for our circumstance to be changed, but we should ask for us to be strengthened.
Like Nephi when his brothers got mad and tied him up and planned on killing him. His prayer was " O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound". (1 nephi 7;17)
He didn't say "get me out of this situation". He didn't ask for his circumstance to be changed, rather... He asked to be strengthened.
"I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs..."
"And now it cam to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."
I know that when we asked to be strenghtened so we can bear our burdens, rather than asking for them to change. I KNOW that he will help us so we can handle the things that are given to us.
I received a letter from uncle James talking about pulling up your bootstraps and just doing it. That's what we need to do. Not complain about why we have hardships, but know that it is for our good and when we pray for help. According to our faith... we will receive it. It is a promise directly from God. I am so thankful for this message that I am able to share with everyone out here. It is hard 100% of the time. But it is worth it 100% of the time as well. I love you all and please keep the emails and pictures coming! I might not be able to respond every week but I will get there eventually. I love you all!!
Remember, there are two pains in life, the pain of regret... and the pain of discipline.
P.S. It is allowed to email friends in this mission. Let people know they are free to email if they want. Thanks :)
--Mahal, Sister Merrill
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