The peace we receive from accepting our weaknesses gives us the power to conquer our trials—not just endure them.
When the sons of Mosiah began their missions to spread Christ’s teachings, they prayed to have the Spirit to guide them (Alma 17:9). They knew many people would mock them, hate them, and try to hurt them. The sons of Mosiah felt the Spirit, and “they were comforted” and “took courage to go forth unto the Lamanites” (Alma 17:10, 12).
PHOTO BY DEWANG GUPTA
Although the sons of Mosiah faced many struggles, the Lord’s comfort didn’t take away their trials—it helped the sons of Mosiah conquer them. This peaceful strength is what President Henry B. Eyring highlights in his talk “My Peace I Leave with You.”
Gaining peace requires us to first recognize our flaws. “Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress,” President Eyring says. “Your awareness of your weakness is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior.” But this awareness shouldn’t slip into obsession with our failures. Instead of focusing on the negative effects of our weaknesses, we can use our knowledge of them to rely on Christ’s Atonement. Knowing our flaws is only the first, brief step of progression, followed immediately by developing a relationship with the Savior, the Prince of Peace.
The sons of Mosiah’s past idolatry and actions turned many people away from the Church (Mosiah 27: 8–10), resulting in a guilt that could’ve paralyzed them from becoming missionaries. But by accepting their past weaknesses, they were able to rely on the Savior and have peace for the future.
Just like the sons of Mosiah, we have the promise that “the Lord will give strength unto his people;…[and] will bless his people with peace” (Psalms 29:11).
Discover more about how to feel the Savior’s peace by reading or listening to President Henry B. Eyring’s talk “My Peace I Leave with You.”
Source: General Conference
—Rachel Peterson, Latter-day Saint Insights
Find more insights
Read Emma Hill’s article “How My Weaknesses Have Brought Me Closer to Christ” to learn about her experience with relying on the Savior to overcome her self-doubt while serving as a missionary.
Not sure how to work through your weakness? Start by reading or listening to Bishop Gérald Caussé’s devotional “For When I Am Weak, Then Am I Strong” for four principles to follow.