Great thoughts–SisterofJared.

We cannot enter the celestial kingdom WITHOUT the partnership of Jesus Christ, and some of us are too oblivious/stubborn/blind/proud/rebellious to voluntarily submit to that necessity. Our Supreme Father understands that, and I believe that He views our sins and weaknesses as BLESSINGS if they are the catalysts that bring us to the Savior’s feet.

In fact, after listing all manner of trials, tribulations, persecutions etc. Romans 8:37 states “In all these things we are MORE than conquerors through Him that loved us”.

Evil, wickedness, stupidity etc.-all are NECESSARY to God’s plan because they “prove” what we are made of. They cause the pure in heart to turn to God and the hard of heart to turn away from Him. They are the “fertilizers” if you will that cause our fruits to spring forth, indicating what kind of “trees” we really are.

Whatever that “particular weakness” was or is still today, IT does not define you. How you choose to let it to shape your life DOES. Will you choose to fight it-even if you have to fight it your entire life, or will you let it win? Do you truly wish that it wasn’t in your life or do you just wish it wasn’t “off limits”? Will you blame God for “cursing” you or will you, like Paul, thank Him for the constant reminder that you need Him in order to become whole?

Perspectives my brother. In fact, I think I’ll change my posting name to SisterofJared.

Good point. At that time in my life I didn’t understand the “we” aspect of the doctrine of Christ.

Your comment called to memory a book by Steven A. Cramer, The Worth of a Soul. It was published in 1995. It tells about his quest for repentance after serious transgression. Following is a quote from his book:

“No wonder my life was so frustrated and “withered.” I had never been close to the Savior, nor had I dared allow Him to be close to me. In my efforts to reach the Father, I had ignored the Savior. I had never learned to rely upon Him for the strength and power I needed to overcome my faults. I had always believed that I must perfect myself before He could accept me. But now I realized that if that were possible, we would not even need a Savior…I was so busy trying to save myself that I had left no room for His help” P. 92-93

As I read your reply, a thought occurred to me. Your response indicated that you asked the Lord “How long will it be before I will be equal to (a particular weakness)?”. Is it possible that the “decades” answer was His response to your “I” question where the answer might be different if framed as “How long until “we” conquer this?”

I certainly agree with the importance of obedience as you have outlined it. D&C 130:20-21 is support for that conclusion.

However, at times in my life I have had difficulty with the law of obedience. It can be a task master for fallen men and women. When I’ve been discouraged because of my inability to keep the commandments I’ve found the Spirit teaching me to have faith in Christ and to repent. I’ve had to rely on the merits and mercy of Jesus Christ to make any progress.

In other words, I’ve been very obedient to the law of repentance.

One time, many years ago, I asked the Lord how long it would be before I would be equal to a particular weakness. The answer surprised me. I saw, by the Spirit, a long corridor that represented time, and realized it would be decades before I would gain the victory I desired.

We can’t be perfect in this life, but we can access Christ perfection and be in a state of justification as we earnestly and sincerely repent.

I’ve enjoyed Stephen E Robinson’s book, Believing Christ. He explores this topic in depth.

Since the Holy Ghost reveals all truth, obedience is then a key (THE key?)to this “gift”. To put it more simply-God speaks, we obey, the HG bears witness that what God said is true. THEN God can speak MORE to us THROUGH the Holy Ghost.

To me, the evidence is overwhelming and obvious. What say you?

What can I say other than

I too, like yourself, want nothing more than to submit my will to our Father’s no matter how hard it is or how many times I fail.