I have several weaknesses of my own. I often have fatigue. And I have a borderline case of Asperger syndrome.
But the purpose of this message is not to dwell on my own condition. Rather it is to present scriptural insights.
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The Apostle Paul taught:
2 Corinthians 12
[7] 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.
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
[9] 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.
[10] 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.
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Even the prophets and apostles had weaknesses.
Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit.
Noah became drunk after he left the ark and had planted a vineyard.
Abraham lied twice about his wife Sarah, each time claiming that Sarah was his sister.
Jacob played a trick on Isaac in order to get the birthright blessing.
Jonah at first refused to go to Ninevah. So he was swallowed by a whale.
David sinned with Bathsheba.
Peter denied knowing Christ three times.
Thomas doubted that Jesus had been resurrected.
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President Thomas S. Monson tells the following story:
Many years ago, while attending a church conference, I noticed that a counselor was blind. He functioned beautifully, performing his duties as though he had sight. It was a stormy night as we met in the office situated on the second floor of the building. Suddenly there was a loud clap of thunder. The lights in the building almost immediately went out. Instinctively I reached out for our sightless leader, and I said, “Here, take my arm and I will help you down the stairway.”
I’m certain he must have had a smile on his face as he responded, “No, Brother Monson, give me your arm, that I might help you.” And he added, “You are now in my territory.”
The storm abated, the lights returned, but I shall never forget the trek down those stairs, guided by the man who was sightless yet filled with light.
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John 9
[1] And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
[2] And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
[3] Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
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Jesus Christ taught:
Ether 12
[27] 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.
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Isaiah 40
[29] He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
[30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
[31] But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
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May the Lord bless you,
Tom Irvine