Even Experts Need God's Help

One thing we learn from the scriptures is that it's all about help and strength from the Lord.

For example, you get people like Coriantumr. 

"And now Coriantumr, having studied, himself, in all the arts of war and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto them who sought to destroy him." (Ether 13:16)

He was very learned and skilled in war. He knew what he was doing when it came to fighting.

"But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daughters; neither the fair sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the fair sons and daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins." (Ether 13:17)

On one hand, Coriantumr was very skilled. On the other hand, he wasn't following the commandments.

Ether was told to go straight to Coriantumr and give him a message that if he would repent, the Lord would spare him. If he didn't though, he and all his household would be destroyed. To make matters even worse, he was told he would live to witness their destruction.

Coriantumr didn't repent, and we later see that Ether's prophesy was fulfilled. Coriantumr was left on his own, the last of the Jaredites, and had a chance to share his story with some of the Nephites later on.

I sometimes wonder how he must have felt, realizing that the prophecy had been fulfilled, watching all his people be destroyed. I think it's best to listen when the Lord's servant speaks to us.

There are many times in the scriptures where someone who is very good at something ends up not being successful because they weren't on the Lord's side. On the other hand, there are even more stories where someone doesn't have much knowledge or skill, but they are helped by the Lord and are successful. This is a great lesson that I don't have to be great at something that the Lord asks me to do. I just have to follow Him and do what He asks, and He will make up the difference.