Today I was reading in First Nephi (14:1) where he says, “that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks–”
What does it mean to ‘take away our stumbling blocks?”
At first thought, I assumed it meant that we would be so good, that temptations would just simply have no hold on us, but upon pondering, I’ve come to a different conclusion.
We were sent to earth to experience mortal life. This life is filled with good and bad, ups and downs, joy and sadness. We cannot experience one without the other.
“For it must needs be, that there is an in all things. If not so. . . righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad…” (2 Nephi 2:11)
So how does coming unto Christ ‘take away our stumbling blocks?’ By turning them into stepping stones!
A friend spoke in church yesterday and reminded me that I can receive revelation in any circumstance as long as I am willing to humble myself and turn to God. Indeed, Elder Holland said, “you can have [a] sacred, revelatory, profoundly instructive experience with the Lord in any situation you are in.”
Heavenly Father can and will use any experience to our benefit. He has promised, “that all these things shall give thee , and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7).
I love who He is helping me to become!
Along similar lines – I love this story about a donkey. Shake it off, and take a step up! This parable beautifully demonstrates stumbling blocks turning into stepping stones.
Family Life Education 