Strength in Trials

I think that trials are really sneaky. Life will be going so smoothly and then all of a sudden I will realize that I am feeling really stressed about something. I'll try and figure it out on my own. Sometimes this works, but sometimes, I am forced to remember that I can do it all on my own and that I must be going through some type of trial. Inevitably, I grow from these trials. Does that mean I love trials and wish I had more so I could grow stronger? Of course not. What palm tree wishes for a hurricane? None of them do, but that doesn't mean that the storm doesn't make them stronger. This is how I am going to try to view trials. Instead of wishing that I didn't have them, I am going to try to recognize how they help me to grow.

                                                               Strength in Trials

"Our times are turbulent and difficult. We see wars inter-nationally and distress domestically. Neighbors all around us face personal heartaches and family sorrows. Legions know fear and troubles of a hundred kinds. This reminds us that when those mists of darkness enveloped the travelers in Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, it enveloped all of the participants—the righteous as well as the unrighteous, the young along with the elderly, the new convert and seasoned member alike. In that allegory all face opposition and travail, and only the rod of iron—the declared word of God—can bring them safely through. We all need that rod. We all need that word. No one is safe without it, for in its absence any can “[fall] away into forbidden paths and [be] lost,” as the record says. ⁴ How grateful we are to have heard God’s voice and felt the strength of that iron rod in this conference these past two days." Jeffrey R. Holland, Prophets in the Land Again, October 2006 General Conference

“We live at a time in the world’s history when there are many difficult challenges but also great opportunities and reasons for rejoicing. There are, of course, those times when we experience disappointments, heartaches, and even tragedies in our lives. However, if we will put our trust in the Lord, He will help us through our difficulties, whatever they may be. The Psalmist provided this assurance: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” President Thomas S. Monson, Until We Meet Again, April 2013 General Conference

“The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments. I quote once again the words of the Lord: “He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.” President Thomas S. Monson, Obedience Brings Blessings, April 2013 General Conference

“Whatever tumults occur, we can know that God will set bounds to fulfill His promises. He, not just men, has the ultimate control of nations and of events to allow His purposes to be fulfilled. Among every people and every nation there will be raised up those who serve with absolute assurance that they are children of God and who have become purified disciples of the resurrected Christ in His Church.” Elder Henry B. Eyring, "A Child and a Disciple", April 2003 General Conference.

"Nevertheless, spiritual light rarely comes to those who merely sit in darkness waiting for someone to flip a switch. It takes an act of faith to open our eyes to the Light of Christ.” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light", April 2013 General Conference

“The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn’t matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul.⁵ The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come.” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light", April 2013 General Conference

“Your Heavenly Father knows that you will make mistakes. He knows that you will stumble—perhaps many times. This saddens Him, but He loves you. He does not wish to break your spirit. On the contrary, He desires that you rise up and become the person you were designed to be.

To that end, He sent His Son to this earth to illuminate the way and show us how to safely cross the stumbling blocks placed in our path. He has given us the gospel, which teaches the way of the disciple. It teaches us the things we must know, do, and be to walk in His light, following in the footsteps of His Beloved Son, our Savior.” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Hope of God's Light", April 2013 General Conference

“In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited.” Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe", April 2013 General Conference

 

“Please don’t hyperventilate if from time to time issues arise that need to be examined, understood, and resolved. They do and they will. In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.” Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe", April 2013 General Conference

 

“Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.” Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe", April 2013 General Conference