I am Able

While attending a church meeting last weekend, my wife and I enjoyed hearing from a particular speaker about missionary work. He told us about many amazing experiences he and his wife had, including answers to prayer. After the talk was given, the man who was leading the meeting added his testimony and asked us if we had thought to ourselves, “yeah, that worked for you guys.” He was implying that we tend to think we are inadequate and in order to receive divine help we need to have lived a perfect life. 

This week in Book of Mormon class, I was reminded of a great historical event where God showed us that He just wants our willing heart. He is willing to work with us even if we make mistakes. He allows us to be a part of His work here on earth. This great historical event was the restoration of the gospel that began in 1820. Joseph Smith eventually became the prophet chosen by God and was directed to translate the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. 

This is spoken of by the Lord in 2 Nephi 27:19-20 (Book of Mormon)

19 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned.

20 Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee.

The man being referred to is Jospeh Smith. He was not learned and had a very basic three year education in his whole life until this point. He did not begin to study and become a scholar in order to do the translation. As we can see from the scripture, it was God’s intention that he is not learned in order to show the world that He can do His own work. It is also apparent, that he can enable us to do His work if we are willing. I am grateful for the coming forth of the Book of Mormon because it is evidence that God loves His children and also that He is very patient with us. He does everything He can so that we can have peace in this life and in the next.