*Sunday morning session

In his first General Conference address as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder David A. Bednar spoke of the importance of the grace of God in assisting those who sometimes feel inadequate and overwhelmed.

“My heart is filled to overflow, my mind is spinning, and my knees are weak and wobbly,” Elder Bednar said. “This morning I take great comfort in knowing that I am truly one of the weak things of the world.”

Referencing the definition of grace given in the Bible dictionary, Elder Bednar said grace is used to connote a strengthening or enabling power. Grace helps us to become good in a way we couldn’t without it, he said.

Quoting Ammon from the Book of Mormon, Elder Bednar said, “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.”

He also referred to Enoch’s experience described in Moses chapter six.

Responding to a call from the Lord, Enoch said, “Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight … and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am thy servant?”

And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.”

Elder Bednar explained how the promise the Lord gave Enoch in ancient times applies to members of the church today.

“The promise was true in Enoch’s day,” Elder Bednar said, “and it is true today.”

Using a story from his own life as an example, Elder Bednar, who is serving as president of BYU-Idaho, told about an experience he had several years ago while serving as president of the former Rick’s College.

As president of Rick’s College, Elder Bednar said his was the daunting task of guiding the transition of Ricks College to a four-year university called BYU-Idaho.

Following one of the meetings in which he and his colleagues discussed the details of their intimidating responsibility, one of Elder Bednar’s colleagues asked if the duty scared him.

Elder Bednar said if he thought they had to execute the transition relying only upon their own abilities, yes, he would be scared.

“But as long as we know who is in charge and that we are not alone,” Elder Bednar told him, “then no, I am not scared.”

Elder Bednar expressed his gratitude for the grace of God that has guided him through such experiences. He also expressed thanks for his family, including his wife, Susan, their three sons, two daughters-in-law, and “three beautiful and brilliant and charming granddaughters”.

Elder Bednar also spoke of his gratitude to members of the church for supporting and sustaining him in his new and sacred calling.

“Few of you know who I am,” he said, “but you know from whence this call has come.”



Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Oct 2004