We Can Be Freed By The Atonement

This video is awesome. I love fishing and this video uses fishing as a parable. It compares the Fisherman to Lucifer. This video is from a talk given by M. Russell Ballard titled "O That Cunning Plan of the Evil One." I would like to share a few quotes from that talk.

       "The use of artificial lures to fool and catch a fish is an example of the way Lucifer often tempts, deceives, and tries to ensnare us."

        This is so true. Satan knows us very well and he knows how he can deceive us. He will do anything to catch us. But unlike a fisherman he will not just catch and release us and let us go unharmed. Satans goal is to make us miserable. Sometimes Satan does catch us, and it's up to us to get away. And that can be very tricky. We become addicted to a desire and it can be hard for us to overcome.

       "If anyone who is addicted has a desire to overcome, then there is a way to spiritual freedom—a way to escape from bondage—a way that is proven. It begins with prayer—sincere, fervent, and constant communication with the Creator of our spirits and bodies, our Heavenly Father. It is the same principle in breaking a bad habit or repenting from sin of any kind. The formula for having our heart, our body, our mind, and our spirit transformed is found in the scriptures.

The prophet Mormon counseled us: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love … ; that ye may become the sons of God; … that we may be purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:48)."

        I bare my testimony that I know that this is true. I know that if we will pray and trust in God then we will make things better. I think of a scripture in Mosiah 24 that says the Lord will make our burdens light. But we have to pray and trust him.

       "To those who are dealing with an addiction personally or within your family, I repeat, fervent prayer is key to gaining the spiritual strength to find peace and overcome an addictive craving. Heavenly Father loves all of His children, so thank Him and express sincere faith in Him. Ask Him for the strength to overcome the addiction you are experiencing. Set aside all pride and turn your life and your heart to Him. Ask to be filled with the power of Christ’s pure love. You may have to do this many times, but I testify to you that your body, mind, and spirit can be transformed, cleansed, and made whole, and you will be freed."

"And for those of you who have fallen prey to any kind of addiction, there is hope because God loves all of His children and because the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ makes all things possible."

          I know that what M. Russell Ballard has said is true. I have used the power of the atonement in my life and I know it's real. Let us all be aware of satan and his deceiving ways in catching us. And if we do get caught, which we all will sometime in our lives, let us turn to our Father in Heaven and Jesus Chirst. They can help us through anything. I know that!!