As we continue our exploration of spiritual one-liners, I’ve been drawn to one of the most hopeful promises in scripture. In Ether 12:27, the Lord teaches us about spiritual growth: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness… for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
Notice how the Lord doesn’t just promise to remove our weaknesses—He promises to transform them into strengths. What strikes me most about this verse is the sequence: first, we must come to Him. Then, He shows us our weakness (which often isn’t comfortable). Only after we respond with humility and faith does the transformation begin.
This pattern played out powerfully in Paul’s life. When struggling with his “thorn in the flesh,” Paul learned that God’s “strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). His weakness became a channel for God’s power.
I’ve experienced this principle in my own life through public speaking. What was once a source of intense anxiety has, through the Lord’s grace, become one of my greatest opportunities to serve. He didn’t simply remove my fear—He helped transform it into a strength.
I testify that the Lord’s promise in Ether 12:27 isn’t just doctrinal theory—it’s a pattern of divine development that can transform every aspect of our lives. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, professional uncertainties, or spiritual struggles, remember: in God’s economy, weakness isn’t a barrier to strength—it’s often the pathway to it.
Elder Linder 