"I Will Order All Things For Your Good"

Kamette Harmer (German, 1985)
Beyond Our Power
Oil on panel, 38.5 x 26.5 in.
Used with artist’s permission
Artist’s website
Featured in the Church History Museum 13th Int’l Art Competition

Historical Reflections

The sections assigned for October carry Joseph Smith through the darkest period of his life from late 1836 to January 1841. One disaster after another befell him: the failure of the Kirtland bank and the ensuing apostasies, the flight to Missouri, the build-up of resentments and apostasies in Caldwell and Davies Counties, the Mormon War and imprisonment in Liberty Jail, the extermination order, and the pitiful trek of the Saints to Illinois. These years were the low point of Joseph Smith’s life. Yet at the very nadir in Liberty Jail, Joseph produced the glorious phrases of section 121: “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned,” followed immediately by the great declaration “the Son of Man hath descended blow them all.” The final reading for the month, section 124, announces the Prophet’s resolve to begin building a city again at Nauvoo. He was irrepressible.
- Richard Bushman

Art Companion

When the Saints in Kirtland faced staggering debts, quarrels among leaders, and mounting persecution, it must have seemed overwhelming—especially coming so soon after the spiritual high of the Kirtland Temple dedication. In Beyond Our Power, Kamette Harmer paints a pair of praying hands woven into a grid of shifting squares, as though faith and humility pierce through life’s disorder. The Lord’s counsel in Doctrine and Covenants 112 reminds us that in times of uncertainty, we can “be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand” (verse 10). Prayer is how we acknowledge our dependence on Him and invite Him to order all things for our good—even when circumstances feel impossible. Perhaps, through the chaos, we can still find our creator’s own pattern of blessings.

About this piece, the artist says: “Most of the time, there is so much good that we can accomplish, especially together. Other times we are desperate to discover anything that we can do that will be helpful. And sometimes, we have to acknowledge with heavy hands and bowed heads, that we’ve done all we could do—and it’s not enough. Then we pray for God to accomplish all the good that we cannot, believing, with all our hearts, that He will, eventually.”

1. Jesus tells the leaders of the Church that he is "not displeased" with them "notwithstanding [their] follies" (D&C 11:1). Follies are a lack of good sense or foolishness. How do these words impact your understanding of Jesus' love for you in spite of your follies?

2. Jesus describes a "great work" for us to do "in publishing [His] name among the children of men" (D&C 112:6). What does it mean to publish Jesus' name? What did you do to publish His name this week? How can you publish His name more regularly in your conversation and interactions with your fellow "children of men"?

3. Jesus asks that we "purify [our] hearts" before sharing the gospel with others (D&C 112:28). How might you purify your heart? Why is this purification a prerequisite to sharing gospel truth?

For Children & Youth

Sometimes life feels confusing or stressful, like a puzzle that doesn’t fit together. In this painting, the squares look jumbled, but if you look closely, you can see two hands praying. Doctrine and Covenants 112:10 says, “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand.” That means when life feels too big or scary, you can pray, and Heavenly Father will guide you one step at a time—just like holding someone’s hand.

1. Sometimes things happen or someone says something that just makes you mad. Jesus talks about "the peace and power of my Spirit" (D&C 111:8). How can turning to Jesus when you are angry help bring you peace?

2. "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers" (D&C 112:10). Have you ever walked somewhere you didn't know and a parent or someone you trust held your hand to lead you? How did holding the hand of someone who knew the way make you feel? How can you feel when Jesus, who knows all, leads you with His Spirit? Have you ever felt Him lead you in something that otherwise felt scary or unknown? How did being lead by Jesus' Spirit make you feel?

3. Jesus asks that we "follow me, and feed my sheep" (D&C 112:14). Who are Jesus' sheep? What can you do to help care for these sheep?