Help from Jesus Christ: The Why and How

By Brynn Wengler

Church Magazines

Understand why Jesus Christ is the answer and how He helps you.

“I feel like I keep messing up. It’s hard to keep trying.”

“My situation is difficult. I’m not sure how to move forward.”

“I’m worried about the future. I don’t know if I have what it takes to succeed.”

“I’m exhausted, but there’s still more to do.”

Can you relate to any of these problems? President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ” (“The Answer Is Always Jesus Christ,” Apr. 2023 general conference [Liahona, May 2023, 127]).

It’s easy to say, “Jesus Christ is the answer.” It takes a little more effort to understand why and how He is the answer.

Why Is Christ the Answer?

When He endured His atoning sacrifice, the Savior did three important things:

He overcame death, allowing us to be resurrected.
He paid the price for all sins, making it possible for us to repent, grow, and return to God. That also helps us forgive others when they sin, because Christ took their sins upon Himself.
He experienced all pains, afflictions, temptations, sicknesses, and infirmities (see Alma 7:11–13). That means He knows exactly how to help and heal you and can strengthen you to endure trials and strive to become better.

Pick any problem, and you can connect the solution back to one or more of those three truths.

Poverty? Because Jesus Christ experienced all things, He knows exactly what it’s like. He doesn’t always remove the obstacle, but He can strengthen people bearing that burden (see Mosiah 24:15).

Failure? Because Christ overcame sin, our failures don’t need to be permanent. Repentance includes improving and becoming more of the person He knows we can be.

Sickness? Because He overcame death, we will be resurrected with perfect bodies immune to sickness and pain. Christ also “[took] upon him … sicknesses” (Alma 7:11), making Him the perfect person to offer comfort and support.

How Does Christ Help?

But even when we know why the Savior is the answer (because of who He is and what He has done for us), we still need to know how we get help and strength from Him. Here are a few ways:

Prayer. By praying in the name of Jesus Christ, imperfect people like us can speak with a perfect God. We can pray for the strength we need in any situation, and God will answer—not always in the way we want or expect, but in a way that will bless us. The Savior’s invitation is real: “Ask, and ye shall receive” (John 16:24; 3 Nephi 27:29; Doctrine and Covenants 4:7).

The Gift of the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are united in purpose. They work together! Anytime you feel guidance or comfort from the Holy Ghost, you can understand that as Christ helping you too.

Keeping Covenants. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught: “The term covenant path refers to a series of covenants whereby we come to Christ and connect to Him. Through this covenant bond, we have access to His eternal power” (Apr. 2023 general conference [Liahona, May 2023, 36]).

Grace. When we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and repent, we can receive additional help and strength (also called grace) to accomplish things we wouldn’t be able to on our own (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Grace”). This strength, or grace, can come in many ways: from the Holy Ghost, a friend, a stranger, a feeling. Basically, anything good comes from Christ (see Moroni 7:22). When you find just a little more patience, a little more energy, a little more strength to endure, recognize that as Christ helping you.

Remember Why and How

So the next time you need an answer to a question or problem, look unto Christ. Remember that because of His victory over sin, death, and all other mortal challenges, nothing is impossible. Look for how He can bless you, and you will see His influence in your life. He loves you deeply!