Meridian Magazine : : Print

The Weak Shall Come Forth
By C.S. Bezas

Ever had one of those days in which you wonder why you were put here on earth? You know, one of those days when you struggle, fall, and feel you are too weak to get back up?

We all have those. I think if we were to compare those kinds of days amongst ourselves as a group, we'd be surprised how similar we all are — regardless of our appearances, talents, or backgrounds.

The Lord speaks to this kind of feeling, this feeling of being weak. Oh, how His words in Doctrine and Covenants chapter 1 strengthen me on my dark and difficult days:

Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments; ...

The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones ...

That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

That faith also might increase in the earth;

That mine everlasting covenant might be established;

That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.

Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding (D&C 1:17, 19-24, emphasis added).

If the Lord, knowing the calamities to come, calls upon the weak to aid Him — wow! What hope and what comfort can come from this knowledge. In fact, what does He know about the potential of weakness? This I want to know. This understanding I now desire.

I no longer need fear being weak, if I turn to Him in that weakness and seek His strength to replace that of my own. And as I join with those who follow Him, seeking to fulfill the mission mentioned above in D&C 1:17, 19-24, weakness need no longer be a dreadful concern of mine.

It is in this manner we can aid the Lord in His work, thereby feeling His power and the joy that attends such focus. This, then, is the theme for this week's Family Home Evening. So let's go have some FHE Fun!

FHE Fun

Opening Song. #243 Let Us All Press On — make sure to sing all the verses!

Opening Prayer. By invitation.

Devotional. This is a great time to allow any who would like to share a special scripture they found during the week. It not only strengthens the family to hear why the scripture touched the person's heart, but it also strengthens the individual who shares such an experience. By explaining, sharing and testifying, we all grow deeper within gospel sensitivity, understanding, and wisdom.

Activity.

Items needed: a bundle of pencils

Hold out one pencil. Ask a member of the family to break it in half. Then ask him to comment how easy or hard the assignment was. Then hold up the entire bundle of pencils. Ask the same person to attempt to break the pencils as a bundle. Ask him to comment on how easy or hard that was.

Read D&C 1:17, 19-24. Ask the family what the scripture means to them. Explain that the Lord does use those who are weak. Why might He do this?
Then ask if the Lord intends us to serve in lonely fashion or as a group? Read Numbers 11:10-15 and ask how Moses felt serving by himself.
Read Numbers 11:16-17 and ask the family what the Lord's suggestion was for Moses.
Therefore, why are missionaries sent two by two? Why is a ward made up of many callings and many individuals? Why does a bishop have two counselors? How are all of these scenarios like the bundle of pencils?

Thoughts to Ponder. How can knowing the Lord loves and utilizes the weak and simple of His children help someone who feels frail? If we're feeling overwhelmed, what can we do?

Closing Song. #252 Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel — make sure to sing all the verses!

Closing Prayer. By invitation.

Refreshments. A fun dessert to match the "bundled pencil" theme would be chocolate-covered pretzels.

Ingredients:

• pretzel sticks
• 6 1-oz squares of chocolate
• (wax paper)

1. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in microwave (watch carefully so you don't burn the chocolate).

2. Dip each pretzel stick halfway into the chocolate.

3. Rest dipped chocolate pretzels on wax paper and allow chocolate to cool/set.

Enjoy chattin'-n-chowin' on the pretzels. While you do, ask how the treat is like each of us and the lesson.

Summary

As parents, we recognize the possibilities the Lord extends to each weak, simple person who turns to Him. Is this not glorious? But do our children understand this? Do they understand they do not need to droop in discouragement during weak moments? They need only turn to Him, request His help, and then participate in the glorious, essential mission He extends them. This is the pathway of joy that leads to eternal life with Him who loves each one dearly.

So let us join together in this saving of souls. Much as the pencil bundle is practically unbreakable, we too become strong in the Lord's hand as we participate in His work together. We as a group, in His service, will be able to carry forth the gospel to the ends of the earth. Not a bad outcome for those who stumble and fall at times!

May we as families in Christ go forth to bless the entire world within His strength.

C.S. Bezas' book is now in LDS bookstores and has been described as perfect for youth leaders and parents of teens. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers: Helping Youth Find Their Spiritual Wings is also available by clicking here.