Editor's note: This article was originally published on LDS Living in April 2021.
One of the most famous parables in scriptures comes from Luke 15:4, “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” The video below, shared on Facebook, captures an instance of an actual sheep being rescued—but with a surprising, somewhat humorous, ending.
And while we may chuckle at the poor sheep’s plight, some of us may find something about this video relatable. Have you, or someone you love, ever found yourself back in a rough spot after only just being rescued? Or determined to break a bad habit only to slip again after a few days?
The fact is that some challenges take time to overcome. But there’s also another important fact to keep in mind, one that the video doesn’t show: The Savior’s promise to find and rescue us doesn’t have a one-time use policy. He is patient and will rescue us as often as necessary as we learn to stay on the straight and narrow path. Remember Alma 5:60?
“And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep.”
For those day when you feel a bit like the sheep in the video, these five quotes from the most recent general conference speakers can help you find the inspiration to keep trying.
1. President Russell M. Nelson “Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains”
Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life. Internalize the truth that the Atonement of Jesus Christ applies to you. He took upon Himself your misery, your mistakes, your weakness, and your sins. He paid the compensatory price and provided the power for you to move every mountain you will ever face. You obtain that power with your faith, trust, and willingness to follow Him.
Moving your mountains may require a miracle. Learn about miracles. Miracles come according to your faith in the Lord. Central to that faith is trusting His will and timetable—how and when He will bless you with the miraculous help you desire. Only your unbelief will keep God from blessing you with miracles to move the mountains in your life.
2. President Dallin H. Oaks “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?”
Our Savior feels and knows our temptations, our struggles, our heartaches, and our sufferings, for He willingly experienced them all as part of His Atonement. Other scriptures affirm this. The New Testament declares, “In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Isaiah teaches, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: … I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:10). All who suffer any kind of mortal infirmities should remember that our Savior experienced that kind of pain also, and that through His Atonement, He offers each of us the strength to bear it.
3. Elder Ulisses Soares “Jesus Christ: The Caregiver of Our Soul”
The gift of repentance is an expression of God’s kindness toward His children, and it is a demonstration of His incomparable power to help us overcome the sins we commit. It is also an evidence of the patience and long-suffering our loving Father has for our mortal weakness and frailties. President Russell M. Nelson, our beloved prophet, referred to this gift as “the key to happiness and peace of mind.”
My dear friends, I testify to you that as we genuinely repent of our sins, we allow the atoning sacrifice of Christ to become wholly effective in our life. We will become free from the bondage of sin, find joy in our earthly journey, and become eligible to receive eternal salvation, which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all who believe in Jesus Christ and come unto Him.
4. Elder Ronald A. Rasband “Behold! I Am a God of Miracles!”
The Lord has reminded us, “Neither are your ways my ways.” He offers, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”—rest from worry, disappointment, fear, disobedience, concern for loved ones, for lost or broken dreams. Peace amidst confusion or sorrow is a miracle. Remember the Lord’s words: “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?” The miracle is that Jesus Christ, the Great Jehovah, the Son of the Highest, is responding with peace.
5. Elder Michael John U. Teh “Our Personal Savior”
Oftentimes it is easier for us to think and speak of Christ’s Atonement in general terms than to recognize its personal significance in our lives. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is infinite and eternal and all-encompassing in its breadth and depth but wholly personal and individual in its effects. Because of His atoning sacrifice, the Savior has power to cleanse, heal, and strengthen us one by one.
