Give the Lord Something to Work With
Give The Lord Something to Work With
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
June 16th, 2025
Hello! I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy. Thank you for meeting with me in interviews over the last few weeks. Sister Quinn and I have enjoyed seeing and visiting with you.
Sister Quinn and I were fortunate to meet with Elder Bednar in training sessions prior to beginning our mission. In one of the training sessions, Elder Bednar promised us the Lord would bless us with health. He encouraged us to find time each week to exercise. He counseled us, “give the Lord something to work with.” To follow this counsel, Sister Quinn and I are making time to exercise a minimum of three times each week. Last week in my letter to you, I shared my recent efforts to run four miles three times a week.
I have pondered Elder Bednar’s counsel – “give the Lord something to work with” several times. It is certainly good health advice. It is also excellent advice for other aspects of life.
The Book of Mormon teaches this principle in the book of Ether, when the brother of Jared seeks the Lord’s assistance in providing light for the vessels the Jaredites will use crossing the ocean to the promised land:
“And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord…” (Ether 3:1)
Are you able to see the things the brother of Jared did to “give the Lord something to work with”? He devises a plan, climbs a high mountain, prepares stones for the Lord to bless, and prays for the Lord’s assistance. Because of his efforts and great faith, he enjoys a miraculous experience with the Lord where his prayer is answered – the stones are given light for the Jaredite vessels:
“… behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger.” (Ether 3:6)
In this verse we see the blessings that were given to the brother of Jared because of his effort preparing the stones. This verse exemplifies the gift of grace offered to us by the Savior after we “give the Lord something to work with.” The Lord is a multiplier. He extends His grace to us to make up the difference or multiply our best efforts. The doors of heavenly power are opened to us. I see the Savior’s grace given each day in your missionary service here in CASRM.
In my own missionary service with you here in CASRM, I am striving to “give the Lord something to work with” by studying the scriptures and PMG each day, reading and responding to your weekly letters, and spending time with you as much as possible. I have marked and recorded impressions and insights from my studies and visits. I have found these impressions to be helpful and timely in interviews with you and in the development of instruction materials for MLC and ZC.
I invite you to consider ways you can “give the Lord something to work with” in fulfilling your missionary purpose. Please consider new ways and efforts in finding, teaching, studying, goal setting, planning, helping your friends keep their commitments, more obedience to safeguards, enjoying more unity in your companionship, etc. I know the Lord will accept your offerings given in diligence, sincerity, and faith. Like the brother of Jared, who offered stones to the Lord, I know that if you “give the Lord something to work with” he will take your offering and magnify it. The results will be miraculous.
Please know what an inspiration you are to Sister Quinn and me. We love you – and love serving with you.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
