In general conference talks and elsewhere, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has shared numerous personal experiences and stories from his life that illustrate times when he felt inadequate, discouraged, or weak. Whether it was trying to learn English as a young boy, pursuing the girl of his dreams who wasn't yet interested, or leaving his homeland with his family as a refugee, these stories have helped each of us feel that he truly relates to and understands many of the struggles we are going through.
Earlier today on Facebook, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf once again shared a beautiful message for all of us who feel inadequate, discouraged, and weak. He wrote:
"Perhaps you don't consider yourself all that useful; perhaps you don't consider yourself a blessing in somebody's life. Often, when we look at ourselves, we see only our limitations and deficiencies. We might think we have to be 'more' of something for God to use us—more intelligent, more wealthy, more charismatic, more talented, more spiritual.
"Blessings will come not so much because of your abilities but because of your choices. And the God of the universe will work within and through you, magnifying your humble efforts for His purposes.
"How encouraging it is to know, though we are imperfect, if our hearts are turned to God, He will be generous and kind and use us for His purposes. No matter your position in your community or in the Church, God will use you, if you are willing. He will magnify your righteous desires and turn the compassionate actions you sow into a bountiful harvest of goodness."
For more inspiration from Elder Uchtdorf, check out his latest book, The Gospel at 30,000 Feet, and the audiobook her narrates himself.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has earned a reputation among members of the Church for using his decades of experience as a pilot to draw gospel metaphors. He has even joked about the frequency of the phenomenon from the pulpit, once noting that a congregation may be asking, "What does this have to do with an airplane?" Elder Uchtdorf's ability to draw on real-life experience and share easily interpreted analogies has endeared him to Church members the world over.
This new book brings together many of those stories of flight that Elder Uchtdorf has used in his ministry. In this colorful, inviting format, more than 20 of his best-loved stories come together under five major themes: Principles of Flight, Lift, Guidance on the Journey, Weathering the Turbulence, and Our Eternal Destination.
