Ether 12:27 - God Gives Weaknesses

lds9999 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 10:59 AM

This is likely a very familiar scripture to most, found in 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.

I love the message of this scripture, but had never before really caught the "I [God] give unto men weakness". I had never really thought of this before--is this interesting, thought-provoking, or new to anyone else?

I just find it interesting that it is the Lord who gives us weaknesses.

Optimistic_Trish · #2 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 11:42 AM

It took me a long time to realize the significance of this passage as well. It just goes to show that our trials will be for our own good and that if we just endure the Lord is by our side! Thank you for reminding me of this important message, it is something I need reminded of

tomk · #3 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 11:44 AM

It is not "new" to me, but it has not lost any of its wonder. It truly is humbling and amazing that the Lord would GIVE unto us our weaknesses.

Kinda makes it sound like He "knows" us or something.

If you know what challenges will cause a person to grow, then if you give those challenges to that person, is it a punishment or a blessing?

Weaknesses are one of the best ways that God shows His love for us, are they not?

Great post, lds!!!!!

jmgainey62471 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 11:53 AM

That is an awesome scripture, if you think about it He gives us everything else even trials so why not our weaknesses.

tomk · #5 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 11:57 AM

I would suggest that the only real contribution we make to the process is our willingness.

Hemidakota · #6 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lds9999

This is likely a very familiar scripture to most, found in 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.

I love the message of this scripture, but had never before really caught the "I [God] give unto men weakness". I had never really thought of this before--is this interesting, thought-provoking, or new to anyone else?

I just find it interesting that it is the Lord who gives us weaknesses.

When the Savior sees our own sincerity and being humbled before Him, we are shown our fallible weakness before Him. We begin the process of asking for help from His Son in making these weaknesses be our strengths. For me, it was speech impairment in my childhood, which I have now overcome. Later, it is now writing and at times, quick to anger due to my impatience with my fellow brethren.

We learn by our mistakes to use the divine support to overcome many of our own obstacles that faces us daily. All of which, keep us humbled before Them. What is our reward? We are provided with a 'personal trainer' in becoming like Him - typo Christ.

skalenfehl · #7 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 06:20 PM

Sometimes weaknesses are bitter pills. In my life I have felt the Lord "molding" me and "pruning" me and pulling me in certain directions in life, both symbolically and literally. I have faced challenges that have caused me literally to shrink and not want to drink my cup. I've been literally cornered for years and my only resort was to look to Him. I ended up coining a phrase from it:

"When you're caught between a rock and a hard place, look up!"

Father in heaven knew just where my threshold of endurance was and boy, oh boy did He put me right up to the edge. I know that we are never given challenges greater than we can bear, but I also learned that there is absolutely nothing I cannot do that is not expedient in the Lord. (Does that sound right? I hate double negatives). I have learned to continually look up and now that is all I do. I've learned some tough, tough lessons and I don't ever want to go through them again, but I'm glad I learned because I have grown and am much stronger for it. I guess that's also part of growing older. You go through stages of your life and learn wisdom. Your strengths evolve. This is a great topic!

lds9999 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 10:47 AM

Thanks everybody for your great comments and insights!

WillowTheWhisp · #9 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 10:54 AM

Yes sometimes the things that we pray to be released from are the very things we actually need in order to overcome them ourselves and gain strength from doing so.

Misshalfway · #10 (**permalink**) 05-21-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lds9999

This is likely a very familiar scripture to most, found in 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.

I love the message of this scripture, but had never before really caught the "I [God] give unto men weakness". I had never really thought of this before--is this interesting, thought-provoking, or new to anyone else?

I just find it interesting that it is the Lord who gives us weaknesses.

I was teaching a gospel essentials class a few years ago and in the course of my comments suggested that God gives men weakness. One man did not like this idea at all and felt that God would never give anyone illness or specific trial. We had a nice right row over the subject.

I couldn't agree with him. I felt like I have felt the gift of weakness come from Father in my life. I think that is one reason why it is easier for me to trust God in the hard trials. I am never sure if He isn't behind the whole process.