Joseph Smith’s first baby passed away at birth. Emma almost died after the delivery as well.
And just two weeks after this tragic time in Joseph Smith’s life, he learned that Martin Harris had lost the Book of Mormon manuscript.
Joseph began to sob. “Oh, my God, my God,” Joseph groaned, clenching his fists. “All is lost!”
The plates and interpreters were taken away from him.
Contrast the darkness of this moment with the light and joy Joseph must have felt as he translated these words by Mormon:
“And I [have made an abridgment of the plates of Nephi] for a wise purpose […]. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.” (Words of Mormon 1:7)
God knew. God cared. And God provided.
This passage helps me understand Christ’s grace
Joseph was in the depths of despair. And he had messed up, big time.
But God provided a way out and up. A path to forgiveness. A solution beyond Joseph’s own abilities. A way for Joseph to move forward.
And he did it hundreds of years before Joseph was even born.
His grace works the same in our life…even when we have messed up big time. Even when we are in the depths of despair.
He provides a way up and out. A way to move forward. Solutions beyond our abilities. And He did it for us hundreds, thousands, of years before we were even born.
There is hope in failure,
Light in darkness,
Redemption in sin,
Joy in sorrow.
A balm from pain.
A way when lost.
His name is Jesus.
When we, like Joseph want to sob and cry out “All is lost,” know this, all is never lost, for we have a Savior.
And His Grace is sufficient.
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