New Possibilities

Moses 5:9-12

And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.

Life comes with many ups and downs. The ups, for most of us, are a welcome change. They make us feel good—invigorated, satisfied, and affirmed in our capabilities and hard work. They are celebrated not only by us, but also by the people around us—our families and friends. The downs, on the other hand, often do the opposite. They can weigh us down, shake our confidence, and threaten our dreams. At times, they leave us feeling buried so deep that we believe we may never get out.

Adam and Eve’s transgression offers a template for how we can use these downs—setbacks, mistakes, errors, and tragedies—to open our eyes to new possibilities. These moments can become opportunities to grow, to know ourselves more deeply, and to recognize God’s hand in our lives when we feel defeated and helpless. They invite us to reassess our lives, make adjustments, and become better. They are chances to learn, to grow, and to acknowledge our dependence on a loving Heavenly Father.

As we find ourselves wounded on the ground or at the bottom of a pit, may we have the courage to ask for help and mercy from One who knows the end from the beginning and who has the power to transform anything—or anyone—formless into something beautiful. May we have the heart to forgive ourselves and believe in our ability to grow and improve. And may we have the faith to trust that with God, nothing is impossible.