“I Am Able to Do Mine Own Work” – 2 Nephi 27:20-21

God told Moses that His work is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life (Moses 1:39). He also told Moses, “I have a work for thee” (Moses 1:6). And He assured Moses, “I am with thee” (Moses 1:26).

God’s work is beyond the capabilities of the best among us. We can only do it with His help. And He invites us to do just that.

Isaiah wrote about a “sealed book” which would be given to “one who is learned.” He would refuse to read it, saying, “I cannot; for it is sealed.” The same book would then be given to “him that is not learned,” who would reply, “I am not learned” (Isaiah 29:11-12).

That’s as far as the story goes in the Old Testament. But in the Book of Mormon, Nephi provides a more detailed account of this event. When the unlearned man protests that he cannot read the book because of his lack of education, the Lord replies:

The learned shall not read them,
for they have rejected them,
and I am able to do mine own work;
wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee.
Touch not the things which are sealed,
for I will bring them forth in mine own due time;
for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work.
(2 Nephi 27:20-21, italics added)

This prophecy was literally fulfilled during the translation of the Book of Mormon as recorded in Joseph Smith—History 1:63-65.

I recently received a new calling to serve at church. When I think about the work that must be done, I realize that it is beyond my abilities. A leader whom I trust said, “That’s true—so you need to follow the guidance of the Spirit.”

When I think of the Lord’s admonition to the unlearned servant, I think He is giving all of us the following advice:

Trust me.
Jump in, and get to work.
Pray for guidance, and then follow that guidance.
You don’t have to understand how all of the pieces fit together.
I will help you.

Today, I will trust that He knows what He is doing when He asks for my help. I will strive to follow His guidance and do what He asks, believing that He will magnify my efforts so that I can help Him accomplish His work.