Infirmities

During our time here on earth, all of us individually or through someone close to us, will be burdened with difficult afflictions or imperfections. Those that suffer aren't the only ones that have a hard time with these circumstances. Many times these difficulties bring sorrow or worry to those that love and watch over the afflicted.

Some of our friends just found out that their twenty-year-old daughter has thyroid cancer. The success rate for a complete cure with such an early detection is extremely high – but any kind of cancer is a concern and there is always a possibility of side effects, something that could hinder her ability to live a normal life or to have a family. My mother-in-law experienced sorrow and discouragement when her last child was born with Down Syndrome. If we had only dwelt on the fact that there are certain things he would never have the opportunity to experience, we could have missed the wonderful loving qualities that he has brought into the family. Now he is a great blessing to all of us. These positives were hard to recognize twenty-five years ago when she and her two oldest daughters were expecting children at the same time.

These infirmities are difficult and taxing to the individual or a family. How we face and handle these challenges can change the possible outcomes and its eternal consequences. A friend became mad at God because his daughter was stricken with diabetes. From a medical standpoint this disability doesn't seem as devastating as the other two examples – but it doesn't minimize the difficulties that could be imposed upon his child. This raised questions about her future and the possible complications that could follow this condition. Another man questioned the existence of a just God as his wife was diagnosed with cancer for the second time within a few short years.

In both of these cases they allowed the trials to drive them away from the Savior, becoming less-active in the church. Because of the sorrow or fear of the unknown it can be understandable that such difficulties could in reality make someone move away from the greatest source of truth and relief. Often it happens at the point when heavenly assistance and direction is needed the most. Why do some individuals react this way when others with similar or even harder circumstances draw closer to the Savior and the peace he offers? It’s not my intent to criticize or demean such reactions, sadly they are normal and heart felt emotions that all of us have experienced

These weaknesses may in reality be the lessons or blessings that we need or that will prepare us for the missions we're assigned to complete. These buffetings can give us the strength and guidance we need to succeed.

Paul to the Corinthians talked about the thorn or weakness that he was given and despite his attempts at pleading for relief, the Lord told him that these weaknesses would help him to be stronger.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

I don’t know how many times you have gloried in your infirmities, or “most gladly” accepted them. He did, and it brought him the power of Christ. These weaknesses helped him grow in a manner he couldn't have in any other way – “for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

This viewpoint or perspective is the first step in handling or accepting the difficulties we face: That an all knowing and loving God is in reality allowing us to experience these trials as part of our earthly test and progression. But as stated by Paul, we must remember the Saviors grace is sufficient to get us through our challenges and that his strength is adequate in making our weaknesses strong, enabling us to receive the power of Christ in our lives.

We must understand that our attitude will influence our perspective and direction in all facets of our lives. We may have all of our worldly possessions taken away or even lose our liberty, but how we react and what we do with our thoughts is our choice. Just think of the life of Job and the trials he faced in his life.

To ignore this process is also to ignore the continual blessings that the Lord has given to us. Our loving Father in Heaven has indeed given us all that we have and are. A lack of gratitude and thankfulness in such situations shows a selfish and greedy attitude. No wonder King Benjamin said the natural man is an enemy to God (Mos. 3:19). Such recognitions are made know unto us through the power of the spirit. Paul stated they are spiritually discerned and not available to the natural man, indeed they are foolishness unto him (1 Cor 2:14). Despite the fact that our challenges seem overwhelming and unfair – a closer look would reveal our continued indebtedness to our Father in Heaven. In the church song we are told to "count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

This recognition of the Lords hand in our lives can be the root of the faith and hope that we need and the assurance that He will continue to guide and direct us in our times of need. Despite our best effort, there are times that discouragement and doubt overtake our feeling of hope, bringing us down. Using the analogy that faith is like a seed (Alma 32), that assurance may start out small, then as we nourish it, it will begin to grow even to a perfect knowledge that God's purposes will be done and that we will not be allowed to suffer more than we have capacity to bear. During such moments of despair it’s difficult to take the opportunity to list the blessing we have received in your life. Even if we serve him with our whole souls yet we would be unprofitable servants (Mos.2: 21). Indeed, we will always in debit to God for the blessing we have received.

This action many times is easier said than done. In Paul's confession he admitted that he asked that his thorn in the flesh might be removed thrice. Thrice seems like a small number for the majority of us, there have been times I have seemingly prayed for years for the guidance and direction I felt that I needed. After his declaration he said of the Lord, "and he said unto me." Then is when he received his answer, no it isn't always the answer we thought it would be. But his grace is sufficient, and our weaknesses are strengthened as His will is achieved.

As I talked with the father of the young lady diagnosed with cancer, I was overwhelmed with an assurance that she would be all right. I marveled at their courage and faith in the power of the Savior, He was in control of the situation. This event was in fact a miracle, as a medical exam was being given in preparation for a possible mission. An opportunity to serve will need to be put on hold - but her strength and testimony has been multiplied as the power of the Savior's love has rested upon her. My testimony has grown by the manifestation of the spirit and the dedication of this wonderful family. Infirmities and challenges are a part of each of our experiences in this life, how we accept them and use them to draw closer to the Savior and his love is how our weaknesses are made perfect in Christ.