Accomplishing the Impossible

by Russell M. Nelson

In the Lord’s plan for His children, this is the final dispensation. Many important things need to be done to prepare the earth for the Savior’s Second Coming. From preaching the gospel in every nation, to sealing our families throughout the generations, to becoming ever more like our Savior, Jesus Christ, we as Latter-day Saints face many tasks that may seem impossible from a worldly standpoint. But ours is an eternal perspective, and our mandate comes not from the world but from the Lord, who gives no commandment without preparing a way for it to be accomplished (see 1 Nephi 3:7). In fact, as Elder Russell M. Nelson points out, His pattern is one of “using the unlikely to accomplish the impossible.” From David and Goliath to Moses to Joseph Smith, the history of His people is a story of accomplishing the impossible. We too can become a part of this grand pattern as we strive to learn and do His will. This insightful book explores some of the means God gives us—such as angelic help, prayer, and gifts of the Spirit—to help us accomplish the impossible. It then shows what we can do to take our place in fulfilling the destiny He has planned for us. As we become partners with the Lord, impossible things really can become a reality!

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Spirituality, Church, Inspirational, Self Help

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2015

About the author

Russell Marion Nelson is the 17th president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Prior to his service as head of the Church, President Nelson served as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He is also a retired American physician and cardiothoracic surgeon.

A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Nelson received his B.A. and M.D. degrees from the University of Utah (1945, 1947). He is a member of honorary scholastic societies Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha. He served his residency in surgery at Mass. General Hosptial in Boston and at the University of Minnesota, where he was awarded his Ph.D. degree in 1954. Shortly after medical school, he began working with the team of doctors which created the first heart-lung machine. In 1951, the machine was used in the first open-heart operation on a human being. Four years later, Nelson was the first doctor in Utah to perform successful open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine.

Nelson served a two-year term of medical duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, being stationed in Korea, Japan, and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Later he worked for a year at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

Nelson returned to Salt Lake City in 1955 and was initially on the academic staff of the College of Medicine at the University of Utah, where in November of that year he performed the first cardiac operation in Utah utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. That operation was performed at the Salt Lake General Hospital (SLGH) on an adult with an atrial septa defect.

In March 1956, Nelson performed the first successful pediatric cardiac operation at the SLGH, a total repair of tetralogy of Fallot in a four-year-old girl. In 1959, he joined the staff of the Salt Lake Clinic, became associated with the LDS Hospital, and continued to make major contributions to the development of the thoracic specialty both in the clinical sciences and as the second director of the residency program.

Nelson's surgical volume was sufficiently large that it was a critical component of the residents' experience. He was an innovative and facile surgeon responsible for many improvements in cardiac operations. He also established a research laboratory at LDS Hospital.

By the late 1960s, Nelson's experience with artificial aortic valve implantation was such that he was able to report a large series of patients with an exceptionally low operative mortality.

In a unique combination of spiritual and professional obligations, Nelson performed heart surgery on LDS Church president Spencer W. Kimball.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seems to be mostly a compilation of General Conference talks given by President Nelson over the years. The format for putting them all together is nice and I like the images at the beginning of each chapter. But it honestly bugs me a little that compiling a handful of Conference talks into a book, which are freely available to anyone with a few clicks of the mouse, can generate money to publishing companies. If the material is free, why am I paying for it elsewhere? I do think there are probably a couple of chapters that are new content developed for this book, and I understand that President Nelson is an incredibly busy man who probably doesn’t have time to write a full book completely from scratch, but selling it for the same price as other books seems like cheating somehow. Anyway, enough tangent.

The talks (“chapters”) are, of course, pure gems. The content is 5-star. Highly applicable, enjoyable to read, encouraging and hopeful. President Nelson’s positive, cheerful attitude made me smile every chapter and I’ve come away with some good food for thought, some things I know I can improve upon, and a desire to be a better disciple of Christ.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself!” -Russell M. Nelson

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like one of those old First Presidency Messages-you know the ones that they didn't actually write but were a collection of random thoughts they've given over the years. While the content was good-it didn't feel cohesive at all. There was hardly any personal stories or experiences. I was also disappointed that I spent the money to buy it. It's really short and because it has color pictures and a hard cover it was really expensive. ($22)

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully formatted book with stunning photos from nature, and inspiring easy-to-read chapters about what to do in order to have the power of God in our lives. Loved reading a small chapter each Sunday and working on different principles taught. Highly recommend.

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about improving yourself. I especially liked chapter 7--We can overcome temptation.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book. It's roughly a compilation of some of President Nelson's talks, but with some added words of direct encouragement and inspiration, reminding us that we can accomplish the impossible. With God nothing is impossible. The organization of this book and that main message were helpful to me.

President Nelsons teaches us that there are things that God does to bless and help us and things that we must do. He sends angels, peace, gifts, and blesses us with the opportunity to pray and covenants to keep. We can receive revelation, overcome temptation, act in faith, share the gospel, strengthen our families, make righteous choices, and make the Sabbath a delight.

Ultimately, the main message and take-away for me was live with God, follow Him, tie yourself to Him, love Him, and you will be blessed eternally.

Here are a few more of my favorite quotes and thoughts from the book:

"The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself! As you love Him and keep His commandments, great rewards - even unimaginable achievements - may be yours (p. 0)."

"He uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible (p. 2)."

"Do we believe in angels? Yes! We believe in angels - heavenly messengers - seen and unseen; and earthly angels who know whom to help and how to help. Gospel messengers, or angels, can include ordinary people like you and me. May angels, known and unknown, serve you and protect you along life's perilous journey (p. 25)."

"There is only one source of true and lasting peace: Jesus the Christ--our Prince of Peace (p. 28)."

"Peace can come to your soul as you build faith in the Prince of Peace (p. 29)."

"'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.' Peace can come to all who earnestly seek the Prince of Peace. His is the sweet and saving message (p. 31)."

"As we follow Jesus Christ, He will lead us to live with Him and our Heavenly Father, with our families. Through our many challenges of mortality, if we remain faithful to covenants made, if we endure to the end, we will qualify for that greatest of all the gifts of God, eternal life (p. 35)."

"How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God's providence and love, and would express that gratitude to Him (p. 37)."

"God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but we are not. Each day, ours is the challenge to access the power of the Atonement, so that we can truly change, become more Christlike, and qualify for the gift of exaltation and live eternally with God, Jesus Christ, and our families. For these powers, privileges, and gospel gifts, thanks be to God (p. 43)!"

"Incredible blessings flow from this oath and covenant to worthy men, women, and children in all the world. Ours is the responsibility to help fulfill the Abrahamic covenant. Ours is the seed foreordained and prepared to bless all people of the world (p. 59)."

"When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us. His law is written in our hearts. He is our God and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened (p. 65)."

"Even more amazing than modern technology is our opportunity to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software, or monthly service fees. It is one of the most marvelous gifts the Lord has offered to mortals. It is His generous invitation to 'ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (p. 69).'"

"To access information from heaven, one must first have a firm faith and a deep desire. One needs to 'ask with a sincere heart, [and] real intent, having faith in Jesus Christ.' 'Real intent' means that one really intends to follow the divine direction given (p. 70)."

"A desire to follow the prophet requires much effort because the natural man knows very little of God and even less of His prophet (p. 71)."

"Personal revelation can be honed to become spiritual discernment. To discern means to sift, to separate, or to distinguish. The gift of spiritual discernment is a supernal gift. It allows members of the Church to see things not visible and to feel things not tangible (p. 73)."

"The wise use of your freedom to make your own decisions is crucial to your spiritual growth, now and for eternity. You are never too young to learn, never too old to change. Your yearnings to learn and change come from a divinely instilled striving for eternal progression (p. 77)."

"You, as His son or daughter, were chosen by Him to come to earth at this precise time, to be a leader in His great work on earth. You were chosen not for your bodily characteristics but for your spiritual attributes, such as bravery, courage, integrity of heart, a thirst for truth, a hunger for wisdom, and a desire to serve people (p. 80)."

"We can change our behavior. Our very desires can change. How? There is only one way. True change--permanent change--can come only through the healing, cleansing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He loves you! He allows you to access His power as you keep His commandments eagerly, earnestly, and exactly. It is that simple and certain. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of change (p. 81)."

"The Lord's way is the only way for us to experience enduring happiness (p. 83)."

"There is only One in whom your faith is always safe, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ (p. 84)."

"Are we securely tied to God so that our faith shows, or are we actually tied to something else (p. 86)?"

"All truth emanates from God. All truth is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ (p. 87)."

"As He loves us, it is our responsibility to share that love with all His children (p. 97)."

"Our example needs to shine for all to see. Each one of us can be an example of the believers. As followers of Jesus Christ, we can live in accord with His teachings. We can have 'the image of God engraven upon [our countenance].' Our good works will be evident to others. The light of the Lord can beam from our eyes. With that radiance, we had better prepare for questions (p. 99)."

"'What do you mean, thanks a lot? That's a totally inappropriate response for one who has read this book. You didn't read it, did you? Please take it back and read it' then I would like my book back (p. 102).'"

"While marriage is under attack throughout the world, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims, promotes, and protects the truth that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children (p. 107)."

"Each personal imperfection is an opportunity to change--to repent. Repentance, at any age, provides needed progress. You repent with a mighty change of heart, which leads to a love of God and your neighbor, especially that neighbor to whom you are married. Repentance includes forgiveness (p. 110)."

"Education is yours to obtain. No one else can gain it for you. Wherever you are, develop a deep desire to learn....Indeed, our education is for the eternities (p. 120)."

"Don't be afraid to pursue your goals--even your dreams! There is no shortcut to excellence and competence. Education is the difference between wishing you could help other people and being able to help them (p. 121)."

"As a Saint of the noble birthright, you are expected to live differently than others. You know what Paul said to young Timothy: 'Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.' Choose to think and act differently from those of the world. Choose to look different and see what an influence for good you will become (p. 124)."

"In your pursuit of knowledge, know that the very most important truth you can learn comes from the Lord.....'This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.' Above everything else you are seeking to learn, seek to know God, your Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Come to know Them and love Them as I do (p. 126)."

"Make the Sabbath a delight (p. 137)."

"Develop now a faith sufficient to sustain you through that difficult time (p. 146)."

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russell M Nelson shares a deep subject with wit and vision. I loved how each chapter was focused, then illustrated with stories and scriptures. This is a great read for any Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and especially young people and those striving to do better each day.

Many of the writings are taken from other talks he has given. But they are organized in an impactful way.

A few quotes from the book:

As a Latter-day Saint, you too can accomplish the impossible. You can help shape the destiny of the entire human family! You and your fellow Saints will be scattered like seeds in the wind to build up the Church in all parts of the world. As you know and apply the teachings of the Lord in your life and in your work, you can change the world. You will become a precious part of His perennial pattern: the Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible!

We can change our behavior. Our very desires can change. How? There is only one way. True change—permanent change—can come only through the healing, cleansing, and enabling power of the atonement of Jesus Christ. He loves you. He allows you to access his power as you keep his commandments eagerly, earnestly, and exactly. It is that simple and certain. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of change! Page 81

Your freedom to act for yourself is so central to your eternal progress and happiness that the adversary exerts extraordinary efforts to undermine it. Satan truly is an incorrigible insomniac, which means he never sleeps. Many of you have already experienced that!
P.125

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message of this book was hopeful and encouraging. While we face numerous hard things in life, there are a lot of things God does for us, as well as many things we ourselves can do, all of which help us endure and grow. God will work miracles in our lives if we will let Him. Additionally, we can help Him accomplish His work by allowing ourselves to be instruments in His hand.

Interspersed throughout this book are inspiring colored landscape and nature pictures, mostly of mountains. This book felt like a compilation of many of President Nelson's talks presented in a cohesive manner. However, it could be that he pulled from parts of his talks as he wrote the book or retold the same stories and presented the same topics in a similar way. Many passages were familiar to me as I read.

Although I took several notes and saved quotes, there are too many to include here. I'll include just the two that bookend this volume:

"The Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible!" (p. 12).

"The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!" (p. 147).

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little book!

There are 12 small chapters of principles that will enrich our lives if put into practice. Pres. Nelson writes these chapters so you can truly feel that he wants to share with you, teach you and guide you through. It was interesting the examples he gave on how he applies them in his own life. He is so kind and genuine. A prophet of God!

If there were 10 people I could have an in-depth conversation with, President Russell M. Nelson is on my list. :)

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book as part of my gospel study. I learned and was reminded of truths I had forgotten. It’s hard to give any book I feel the spirit in less that 5 stars ⭐️.

“Whether truth emerges from a scientific laboratory or through revelation, all truth emanates from God. All truth is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best kind of encouraging.

[Trent Mikesell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful insights and wisdom from not only a prophet but someone who has lived a worthwhile and full life.

[Bonnie Arriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love President Nelson and his words of clear truth and wisdom. I will miss him and am grateful for books like this that I can return to when I need his kind voice to bring peace.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

President Nelson is an amazing man. He is a prophet of God. Read this book and you will hear a prophet speak.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read more of President Nelson's words with his recent call to be Prophet. This book held a variety of short sermons, where each seemed like a Twitter feed of good thoughts. There were several excellent quotes that I highlighted that I wish a whole chapter had been spent explaining in depth. This book is more lighthearted Monday motivation material.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED.

[Ren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been re-awakened to the times we find ourselves in, I was really excited to read this book after the direct, almost unbelievable words Elder Nelson and his wife shared in the January Devotional. I had purchased the book before Christmas but hadn't started it. After the devotional I started to read it. I read it with hopes to get more encrypted messages like the devotional, and although there were some great messages, it wasn't what I had expected. January's talks were so clear and direct I was hoping for a more in-depth conversation. I was hopeful but it didn't quite happen. The book though is very good. I'm giving it a 3 because I was holding my breath for more "read between the lines" messages and I didn't find them. Maybe they are still there but I'm not ready for them at this time.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of timely and concise counsel. I feel like I can review this over and over and keep getting powerful reminders of what is important, and what I can do to 'Accomplish the Impossible'. It is hard enough with the many messages around us in the world, trying to draw our attention away from truly important things, like why we are here on this planet. This book, from a man of God, helps push away all the noise and show the simple beauty of God's love for his children, and that he sent us here to prevail over struggles and trials, and not to fail. And, by showing us what God has already and will do for us, reveals what we can do individually to overcome and succeed.

[Amy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and uplifting.
Our relationship with God and how we can improve our connection and serve him more fully.
Arranged in easy to manage daily devotional length sections.
Some great quotes on family and family history.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!!

[Saralyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so much out of this book! Really inspiring!

[Wombo Combo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll start with the good things, then end with the bad.

Good

There are a couple great ideas found in this book. I'll be lying if I said I learned nothing from this.

The first couple of chapters in the "what we can do" section are pretty good.

Bad

Aside from the few good ideas, most of what's presented here is nothing new. Elder Nelson writes some weird things, like the idea that porn is as addictive as meth. What?! I am not super familiar with addiction, but I'm calling bs on that claim.

This book seems like it was written for third graders because of how boring and repetitive the writing style is. I was given this book as a gift almost a year ago, and I could not get into it because how lifeless the words are.

This is kind of a weird thing to bring up, but I feel like this book didn't need such nice presentation. This book is printed on very glossy paper that seems to be of a higher quality than the nice paper comics are printed on at this point, which seems unnecessary, since the book is mostly text.

The title of this book is kind of misleading. I assumed that this would be a motivational book because of the title, but it's really just a collection of random talks, if I'm not mistaken.



Really, this book was difficult to get through. There are some good things in here, but it's mostly a waste of time.

[Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding small compilation of sermons from Russell M. Nelson, who at the time of this writing serves as president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This represented an hour or so of thoroughly thoughtful and inspiring reading.

The book looks at Things God does for us, then it segues into what we can do.

The introduction is worth reading. It looks at assignments the author has fulfilled in his life that seemed completely out of reach when he started. Opening places like Hungary, Bulgaria, the German Democratic-Republic, and Russia to allow entrance by missionaries from the church seemed impossible. But Nelson and his associates were able to ultimately report complete success in those assignments.

In the first section, Nelson details things God does for mankind. That list includes the sending of angels, blessing us with peace and love and with spiritual gifts. It is God who taught us and teaches us to pray, and he offers covenants to strengthen us.

In the second section, he explains what we can do to draw closer to deity. These tips include information on receiving revelation, overcoming temptation, acting in faith, sharing the gospel, and strengthening our families.

Reading this was an outstanding Sunday afternoon experience.

[Larsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the first for which my recommendation is to read the last chapter first. By last chapter I mean "Conclusion: The World Needs Our Contribution." In this "Conclusion" President Nelson explains the opposition between theistic living with atheistic living. Elder Clayton Christensen has called for theistic balance on the U.S. Supreme Court. In a theistic culture there is motivation for voluntary goodness and virtue. An atheistic culture lacks such motivation and brings only increasing short-term expediency and crisis after crisis. Everything gradually looses value, going from bad to worse, and to atrophy. Such is already gradually happening in our world as has been abundantly prophesied in scripture. President Nelson cites the crumbling definition of marriage and the absolute need for freedom of religion less we find ourselves living in an atrophied world. With this understanding clearly in mind, a reader can then appreciate President Nelson's inveterate effort in the first five chapters to convey clearly that God does all He can to help us -- and in the last seven chapters, to open our eyes to see what we can and must do.

[Kaden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about (as the title says) accomplishing the impossible. That being said, for anyone that is familiar with Russell M. Nelson and his work a lot of this content will sound like a repeat. It is well written but seems to lack with the specificity that I wanted to see directed toward the theme of the book, which was, accomplishing things that are impossible. It seemed like this book was full of broader ideas taken from possible general conference talks, with lines that I've definitely heard before. If you are searching for writing that will be specific to a trial you or a loved one are facing, I would suggest other writings that may answer the questions more directly or reading a more comprehensive book like the Book of Mormon. If you are not familiar with Russell M. Nelson and what he does, this is an amazing book and introduction to a specific theology and general list of beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be a good one when I was reading the introduction and I had to keep stopping to read parts to my family. I have been studying in the scriptures things that may seem to be impossible to man, but with God, become possible. I really enjoyed this book.
I loved some of his closing words, “ The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself. You have been reserved and preserved for this time and place. You can do hard things. At the same time, as you love and keep His commandments, great rewards—even unimaginable achievements—may be yours...The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!”

[Kammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapter 10 We can strengthen our families had beautiful marriage advice about forgiveness, repentance, stabilization, and prime time together.

Chapter 11Making righteous choices was one of my favorite chapters. I loved the outside source from Dr. Patrick Flagan that stated, "Every marriage creates a new household, an independent economic unit that generates income, spends, saves, and invests." He continues with " . . . the mother contributes to both present and future economy."

I also enjoyed the section on education and the conversation with the young man that it took him 14 years before he collected a fee for his service. You will still be 14 years older if you stay in school or if you don't continue school.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I must ask myself why I feel a guilt of sorts for not giving this book five stars. To be clear, if I were rating the author and/or his counsel on their own merit I could not mark the fifth star fast enough. But when evaluating this book itself, I was frankly a bit disappointed that it was pitched as a fresh standalone piece yet was really just a collection of past talk given by President Russell M Nelson during his time as a leader and apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I valued and enjoyed each message. The book could have (should have) been positioned more forthright.

[Brent Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had many good points about how to live a more joyful life and to become your best self. There were not many new or expanding ideas but rather a compilation of many life solutions I have already heard or learned. For someone not as familiar with the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ or coming back it would be a great read.

The one struggle I had with the book was a lack of a common thread. The ideas seemed to bounce around too much as if the book was a compilation of thoughts without them being joined together. Several area were more like bullet points or list.