Compensating Blessings

Bishop Gérald Caussé

Written By: April Giauque

One Wise Virgin

Bishop Caussé is the Bishop for the world. He is there to minister to the temporal and Spiritual needs of the members worldwide. As I think about that, calling it feels, to a degree, one of the most vital in the world. He must report back to let the Prophet know how everything is going. This includes managing tithing and fast offerings, overseeing welfare and humanitarian aid, and handling the construction and maintenance of Church properties, such as meetinghouses and temples. They also oversee the Aaronic Priesthood and have a key role in caring for the poor and needy—for the world! 

Bishop sees it all. Bishop Gérald Caussé has seen the intense good and the intense difficult circumstances many in the world face—challenges such as illness, disability, limited resources, fewer opportunities for marriage or education, abuse by others, and other limitations or constraints. He said, “At times, these trials may seem to hinder your progress and challenge your genuine efforts to live the gospel fully, making it more difficult to serve, worship, and fulfill sacred duties.”

But Bishop Caussé gave a promise to the world, “I want you to know this: The Lord loves you personally. He knows your circumstances, and the door to His blessings remains wide open to you no matter the challenges you face.”

Bishop Caussé shared a story of when he was serving in the French Air Force, a circumstance prevented him from seeing Elder Maxwell speak. He served his duty and was able to attend the meeting for the last five minutes, during which he heard the apostle give the area an apostolic blessing. The Lord blessed him to be there at the right time, and for a moment, that impacted his testimony forever. His heart received what Heavenly Father needed him to hear. 

Think about his words, “When circumstances beyond our control prevent us from fulfilling the righteous desires of our hearts, the Lord will compensate in ways that allow us to receive His promised blessings.” This reassuring truth has a foundation in three key gosepl principles. 

1. “God loves each of us perfectly.”

2. “Because God is both just and merciful and His plan is perfect, He will not hold us accountable for things beyond our control.”

3. “Through Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we can find the strength to endure and ultimately overcome all of life’s challenges.”

The Lord asks us to do “all we can” and to “offer [our] whole souls as an offering unto him.” This requires a deep desire, a sincere and faithful heart, and our utmost diligence in keeping His commandments and aligning our will with His.

When our earnest efforts fall short of our aspirations due to circumstances beyond our control, the Lord still accepts the desires of our hearts as a worthy offering. The key is our heart. I pray that it will be softened for all the world. That way, Jesus can reach out to us all. 

The Lord Himself said, “For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.” Bishop said, “What matters to the Lord is not merely whether we are able but whether we are willing to do all we can to follow Him as our Savior.” The Lord will accept our offering if our hearts, will, and desire to serve were there, but life circumstances prevented us from completing the task. I think of this as if you have the desire to serve in the temple weekly, yet you are far from it, or you are a caregiver, or other circumstances physically prevent you from doing so. If your heart and desire are genuine, the Lord accepts the effort. 

Please remember that “The Lord’s compensating blessings often come through the kindness and service of others who help us accomplish what we cannot do on our own.” No one is beyond the reach of God’s infinite blessings.

Here are the three most notable quotes from Bishop Caussé:

“The Lord loves you personally. He knows your circumstances, and the door to His blessings remains wide open to you no matter the challenges you face.”

“What matters to the Lord is not merely whether we are able, but whether we are willing, to do all we can to follow Him as our Savior.”

“The Lord’s compensating blessings often come through the kindness and service of others who help us accomplish what we cannot do on our own.”

I testify that as we study the words of the conference talks and words of the apostles and prophets, we will find more and more clear direction from the Lord to the things that we should do, build a closer relationship to our friends family, and to the Savior, and that we are protected with angels to guid and guard us as Satan’s wrath tries to consume the world. No—I will not give in. Jesus, I will follow thee! 

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