Stephens - The Master Healer - October 2016

Sister Carole M. Stephens speaks during the Women's Session of General Conference.  She speaks about the healing power of the Savior, His ability to have the atonement be part of our everyday life, and how we can use the atonement in everyday situations we are in.

• I often meet Latter-day Saint women who are desperate for help, yet they do not turn to the One who can provide everlasting help. Too often they seek for understanding by searching “the great and spacious building.”

We need to learn the doctrine of Christ in order to have a firm testimony of the power of Christ's gift to us.

• As we increase our understanding of the doctrine of Christ, we soon discover that we are developing a deeper understanding of “the great plan of happiness.” We also recognize that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is at the very heart of the plan.

Sister Stephens reminds us that we can do anything if Christ is on our side.

• Our faith in Jesus Christ enables us to meet any challenge.

She gives us three situations where the power of the Savior can help us through life's challenges.

• First, the Savior, the Master Healer, has the power to change our hearts and give us permanent relief from the sorrow caused by our own sin.
  • He knows us. He meets us where we are. And because of who He is and what He has done for us, He understands. Because He has experienced our pain, He can give us living water when we seek it.
  • When we come to Him with humble and teachable hearts—even if our hearts are heavy with mistakes, sins, and transgressions—He can change us, “for he is mighty to save.” And with hearts changed, we can, like the Samaritan woman, go into our own cities—our homes, schools, and workplaces—to witness of Him.
• Second, the Master Healer can comfort and strengthen us when we experience pain because of the unrighteous actions of others.
  • Hope and healing are not found in the dark abyss of secrecy but in the light and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
  • Elder Richard G. Scott said: “Complete healing will come through your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and capacity, through His Atonement, to heal the scars of that which is unjust and undeserved.”
• Third, the Master Healer can comfort and sustain us as we experience painful “realities of mortality,” such as disaster, mental illness, disease, chronic pain, and death.
  • “When the darkness feels unremitting, I rely on the memory of His tender mercies. They serve as a guiding light as I navigate through hard times.”

She concludes with these inspiring words of hope.

• Sisters, I testify that--
  • You don’t have to continue to carry the burden of sorrow caused by sin—alone.
  • You don’t have to carry the pain caused by the unrighteous actions of others—alone.
  • You don’t have to experience the painful realities of mortality—alone.

Sister Stephens speaks plainly of the healing power of the Savior Jesus Christ.  She speaks of our nature to look for healing in the things of the world instead of coming to Christ to look for healing.  It is our natural man that makes it difficult to come unto Christ. Our journey of discipleship requires that we grow our relationship with the Savior.  This talk points out the basic things the Savior brings to the table to assist us on our journey.  It is our responsibility to have faith in the Savior. Believe in His ultimate power to heal us.  He has the power to heal us in all areas of our life. He need to not just believe Him, we need to believe in Him as our ultimate helper, healer, and friend.