Run the Race

Studying for the paper we had to write this week was a great study experience! I chose to study 2 Timothy 4, spending a lot of time on verses 6 through 8. Using the website http://scriptures.byu.edu

A talk that came up for the verses was The Strength to Endure (2013) by Richard J. Maynes. Elder Maynes talks about spiritual strength and endurance, with the Lord’s help, continuing to “run the race.” He says:

“So whatever challenges you wake up to each morning, remember—with the spiritual strength you develop, coupled with the Lord’s help, at the end of the race you will be able to enjoy the confidence that the Apostle Paul expressed when he said: ‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.’ I bear you my testimony and my witness of the reality of a loving Heavenly Father and His great and eternal plan of happiness, which has brought us to this earth at this time.”

This talk, and especially this quote, reminded me again of how I felt when I read this chapter on my mission. My mission was hard, but I was able to complete it with the Lord’s help. And because of that I know that we can do anything with the Lord’s help.

I learned a lot of things from this chapter, such as following promptings of the spirit, being a missionary, and enduring to end, overall it was neat for me to be reminded of things I learned on my mission over three years ago. I find that often the spirit teaches best by helping your mind and your heart remember things it has already learned. That is why it is always worthwhile to re-study any scripture chapter multiple times.

Consistency

As I continue on with my SMART project I'm realizing that most of my posts for class will probably come from the book "Act in Doctrine" that I'm reading. There are so many drops wisdom. This week I read:

"As you and I become increasingly steadfast and immovable, we are less prone to zealous and exaggerated spurts of spirituality followed by extended periods of slackness. A spiritual "spurter" is one who is given to a short burst of spectacular effort followed by frequent and lengthy periods of rest." 

This was especially meaningful for me because I feel like my life is made of great spiritual spurts and lengthy periods of rest. The question is how to be consistent? I know I need to be consistent, but how? Elder Bednar goes on to share the scripture Alma 37:6... by small and simple things are great things brought to pass. In pondering on the how in relation to this scripture, I was reminded that consistency must become a habit that starts with small things. So, in learning to act, I can pick a one thing that may seem small, and work on being consistent on that. As we do that and continue to build on it, the big things that seem overwhelming, we can eventually become consistent in.