I am indeed grateful and honored for the opportunity to share a few thoughts with you in today’s devotional. As a young 12-year-old watching the Fiji 7s rugby team play at the Hong Kong tournament on television, I remember clearly noticing for the first time this scripture reference written on the strappings of Waisale Serevi’s wrists and boots. Serevi, who is now widely regarded as one of the world’s best rugby sevens players, was considered too small to play a game that required the utmost in speed, strength, stamina, and skill. He used this scripture as he led the Fiji 7s rugby team from the years of 1989 to 2007 to international fame, winning two Rugby World Cup Sevens and many international tournaments.
This scripture was recited by the Fiji 7s team at the beginning of each game, at half-time, and in the locker room. It is a well-known scripture and one that this year, is our youth theme found in the New Testament in the Book of Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” [1]
In my interest and wanting to know more about this passage of scripture, I went back and read from the beginning. I looked at the context of the chapter, learning that the Apostle Paul had written these verses of scripture while he had been held in prison in Rome. The Apostle Paul learnt that through the turbulent and trying times to be content as stated in verses 11-12. And I quote, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” [2]
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” It is a simple, but powerful reminder of the love of Jesus Christ and the strength that comes into our lives when we follow Him.
Our beloved Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, elaborated on these principles when he taught:
“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on... Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives.”[3] Brothers and sisters, life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ — even a mustard seed of faith.
Allow me to share a part of my tertiary educational journey, and I share not to boast but to show the goodness of God in my life as I placed my focus and faith on the Savior Jesus Christ. I use the words of one of my favorite Book of Mormon heroes, Ammon, in sharing my immense joy and where my strength comes from as he declared to his brother Aaron, “I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.” [4]
Growing up my sister and I had been taught the importance of getting an education and to be independent. After completing my Diploma in Information Technology, my parents sat me down and explained that if I wanted to further my education, I would have to fund it myself. I am forever grateful to my parents for teaching and enabling me to “look [to the Savior] in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” [5]
I had the desire to complete my degree and I knew that I needed to “Trust... the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” [6] I was scared, but I had faith in Jesus Christ that it would all work out.
At the time, I had started working at Church College Fiji as a part-time substitute teacher and part-time librarian. I felt directed to go to the bank to get a partial loan for the first semester at university. Like Nephi, I knew that if I was obedient and go and do, the Lord would prepare a way to accomplish the task. [7]
During my first semester an opportunity arose to tutor Korean students “English,” after my day job and before my evening classes. This opportunity provided me with additional income to supplement my substitute wages, pay off my loan, and save for the next semester’s tuition. When I started as a tutor I only had two students, and when I decided to stop two years later upon completing my bachelor's degree and ITEP teaching certificate, I had up to 12 students. The Lord had provided the way and given me the strength to endure my hectic schedule of work, tutoring, evening classes, completing assignments, dating, and fulfilling my Church calling.
All these were possible because I had been taught early in my youth to “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” [8]
Sometimes, as we struggle through mortality, we may wonder and ask ourselves if we can really do all things through Christ. For me the answer is “yes.” How is it possible?
By doing the “small and simple things,” [9] such as daily individual and family prayer and scripture study, attending Institute, and finding time to be in the temple, are some of things that helped me focus my life on the Savior Jesus Christ and to be able to endure all things.
I know when we turn to Jesus Christ, we are able to do things we never dreamed were possible. Or survive things we wish we never had to face, such as heartbreak and losing a loved one.
I know that the Lord is mindful of each one of us and loves us dearly. On one particular day, I was feeling discouraged and overwhelmed with all that was needed to be done. When the bus I was travelling on came into the bus station, I looked up. This particular bus company is well-known in Suva city for having scriptural messages on the front and back of the bus, and there were written the words “Jesus is the Answer.”
I know that Jesus Christ is the answer. I always take courage from my favorite hymn, #85 How Firm a Foundation, 3rd verse:
Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. [10]
I know whether in the height of success or at a low point in life, I can confidently say that we can get through any circumstance with the strength and help given by a loving and all-powerful Savior Jesus Christ.
Looking back, I have seen the tender mercies of a kind and loving Heavenly Father. The month I completed my bachelor's degree, I was offered a full-time position to teach Computer Studies at Church College Fiji. After two years of full-time employment and with the support of my family, I began my master's degree. Thus, began again the journey of finding balance and contentment in the late nights, getting readings and assignments done, work and family commitments, and Church activities.
My dear brothers and sisters, I testify “that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things. [11] I am grateful for the challenges and growing experiences I have had along the way to deepen my conversion to Jesus Christ and to know that He is always there to lift, support, and strengthen me even when I fall short.
God is good my dear brothers and sisters. He knows us, loves us, and will strengthen us as we focus our lives on Him. If things are not going according to plan, trust that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know what is best. Focus on building a relationship with Christ. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once said, “Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are.” [12]
Brothers and Sisters, our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ is invested in strengthening us and wants us to become more like He is. You need to believe that Christ loves you and believes in your capabilities. You need to believe and keep going. Use your agency to make eternally important choices. Believe in your covenants. Believe Christ isn’t waiting to tear you down but build you up. As Father Lehi said to his son Jacob in 2 Nephi 2:25 “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” [13]
As we submit ourselves to God’s will, endure well, focus on Christ, and believe in ourselves, we will find we can do so much more than we ever imagined.
As we strive to follow Christ, we too can gain confidence and like Paul declare, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” [14]
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes:
[1] Philippians 4:13
[2] Philippians 4:11-12
[3] Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Liahona or Ensign, October 2016.
[4] Alma 26:11-12, emphasis added
[5] D&C 6:36
[6] Proverbs 3:5-6
[7] 1 Nephi 3:7
[8] 3 Nephi 13:33
[9] Alma 37:6
[10] "How Firm A Foundation,” Hymns, no. 85
[11] Alma 26:11-12
[12] Jeffrey R. Holland, “Behold, Thy Mother”, Liahona or Ensign, October 2015.
[13] 2 Nephi 2:25
[14] Philippians 4:13