It always works

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood Session of the April 1989 Conference.

I was reading Elder Gong's talk from our most recent Conference, and this line stood out to me: "Because 'God himself atoneth for the sins of the world,' the Lord’s Atonement can make whole not only what was but also what can be."

I've been wondering how Jesus "makes whole what can be." I think it has to do with possibilities—all the things that we hope for ourselves and our children, which hopes often seem so out of reach that we almost don't dare call them hopes anymore. In some ways I think I was a much more hopeful person twenty years ago than I am now, because I've now had more glimpses into the difficulties and disappointments that inevitably come into people's lives over time, and I sometimes can't see any way past those things.

But I know we are supposed to hope. And I try to. I want to believe that Christ can do for us not only what seems likely and possible, but what seems quite unlikely and impossible! And this quote from Elder Richard G. Scott back in 1989 is a perfect reminder of that:

Trust in the Lord. He knows what He is doing. He already knows of your problems. And He is waiting for you to ask for help… 

The Savior gave his life that you and I can correct mistakes, even the most serious ones. His plan is perfect. It always works for each one who follows the rules.

"It always works!" You can't get more hopeful than that. I'm so glad for apostles that point me toward such joyful realities.


Other posts in this series:

It's Dangerous to Go Alone—by Nathaniel Givens
Magnifying the Priesthood as Women—by Jan Tolman