Strength Through Christ's Power

     This last week I was pondering the applicational Power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As I pondered and searched the scriptures I found that the scriptures are filled with many and various examples and teachings of the Atonement. I found that the Atonement is not just only a cleansing and purifying force that takes effect when we repent and are baptized, but it is an actual applicable power that we can draw upon for strength and sustenance as we face daily trials and challenges.

Take Alma 7:11-12
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

     This scripture teaches us that Christ's sacrifice has the power to give us succor in times of distress and difficulty. Our Savior felt everything pain and weakness that we ever go through and we can draw real strength from the fact that Christ has already suffered for these things and that we don't have also. We can be healed and strengthened as we draw upon the real power of the Atonement. The Book of Mormon prophet Moroni taught us in Ether 12:26-27 that as we humble ourselves and have faith in Jesus Christ we shall find strength to overcome our weaknesses-

"And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness; 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."

   
Sometimes we feel distraught and foolish because of our weaknesses but I testify that as we humble ourselves through meaningful and constant prayer that we can draw from the real power of the Atonement. Christ taught us this key principle even as he suffered in the walls of Gethsemane-

Matthew 26:41-
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

So be not afraid for tomorrow. Watch and pray always and the Lord shall strengthen you.