God Helps

1 Nephi 17:16

And it came to pass that I did make tools of the ore which I did molten out of the rock.

God never does for me what I can do for myself. Lehi could not have made the Liahona, so the Lord made it for him. Nephi, however, had the skills to make his own tools. God could just as easily have dropped a hammer and saw into Nephi's lap as He dropped the Liahona in front of Lehi's tent, but He allowed Nephi to exercise his skills and solve as much of the problem as he could on his own.

God likewise expects me to use my intelligence, ingenuity, and talents to solve as many of my problems as I can on my own. He knows every problem, trial, and challenge I face. He does not leave me alone or ignore me. His objective is not to solve every problem and provide me with a smooth and effortless path through life. The real problem He has to solve is how to bring me back to Him better, stronger, more patient and loving, and more like Christ, so that I am fully prepared to enter His kingdom and progress toward exaltation. 

What I see as obstacles, He sees as opportunities. He will prompt me, guide me, and give me just enough information and help to put me in the right direction and get me started. He strengthens my shoulders, but He doesn't remove the burden I need to carry to complete His celestial pilates class. 

God does indeed help me, but His grace enables me; it doesn't replace me. God can move the mountains in my life, but only after I pick up a shovel and start digging.

Ore in its raw state is useless. But when heat is applied, it can be turned into a useful tool. Just as Nephi melted the iron ore to fashion tools to build the ship, God can help the ore of my stony heart to fashion me into a useful tool for His work to build His kingdom, even Zion. It may require some high heat and powerful pounding to get me into the shape God wants, but He is willing to put in the effort and craftsmanship if I am willing to let Him work on me.

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