Can we achieve our dreams...on our own?

Can the computer type on its own?  Can the stove cook a meal by itself?  Can we achieve our dreams...on our own?

The first two questions seem so obvious!  The answer is “NO” yet the last question makes us scream “YES!”  As we read in the book of 2 Nephi this week I found a scripture that illustrates this concept so well.  Isaiah in chapter nineteen of 2 Nephi verse 15 says, “Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith? Shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? As if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself as if it were no wood!”  

Here as I read the answers to these questions were more than obvious, but as I dug deeper and made the connection to myself and my life it took on another light.  Obviously an object or a medium can not do anything on it’s own; it has to be acted upon.  Likewise WE are a medium.  For who or whom?  The Lord!  We can do nothing of ourselves; until we are acted upon by an outside force.

I am one to set a goal and do everything it takes to get there.  I pride myself in my ability to do so.  This scripture really was like a slap on the face; as is being here at BYU.  It is not MY merits that have gotten me here to this school or gotten me any of my competitive recognition's.  It was Him, and His power.

As I read this scripture and think I feel a greater need of my Savior in my life.  I feel more humbled to know I can do nothing without him as well as strengthened to know I can do anything WITH Him.  I find this extremely applicable to us right now as college kids.  If the Lord needs us to succeed or fulfill some certain calling in life, He can open the doors necessary for us to get there.  As we do our part and remain humble the Lord will use us as a medium for good...to even achieve our dreams.