Enduring well and to the end...

There has been a phrase that has followed me throughout my life. It was a mild chastening given to Oliver Cowdery when he failed in his attempt to translate some of the Book of Mormon from the golden plates. The Lord said to Oliver in verse 5 of the 9th section of the D&C, "behold, it is because that you did not continue as you commenced....that I have taken away this privilege from you."

From a very young age I have run into the problem of being a great starter but a poor finisher. I look back with some regret on unrealized potential. The famous quote of John Greenleaf Whittier come to mind, "For all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these 'it might have been'." When I dwell on opportunities past or lost I find myself becoming a bit melancholy and even depressed. It is at these times we need to look forward and resolve one more time to make the changes we know we need to. This life is all about endurance. It is about moving forward and making today better than yesterday and this year better than the last. It is never too late to begin again.

I am inspired by the powerful examples found in the scriptures of men and women who went through incredible trials and challenges and remained faithful. Job, Abraham, Nephi, Esther, Sariah, and most importantly Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith lamented the trials in his life and in the lives of those he loved and the Savior promised, "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." I am increasingly taken aback by the incredible examples to be found in our ward. We have members that are dealing with Alzheimers, job loss, death of children, the passing of a spouse, cancer and other serious health issues, various addictions, divorce and abuse. I can think of very few families or people in our ward that are not facing significant challenges...and in all likelihood those I am considering probably have just done a good job of hiding things.

Brothers and sisters, we are not meant to pass though this life without difficulty...opposition is part of God's plan for his children. I know it is hard to stay the course, it is a daily challenge for me to be doing the things I know I need to do, but we need to try...when we fall we get back up...when we slip we repent...we never ever give up! Bind the Lord, claim the blessings!

In Paul's letter to the Hebrews he writes:

11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

We need to continue as we righteously commence. We need to not get frustrated when we do not see immediate blessings...God is in control...his promises are sure...We will see their fulfillment in our lives if we can stay the course and endure to the end. Let us be found keeping the commandments. Let us pray like everything depends on the Lord and then work as though everything depends on us.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.