Today’s Trials, Tomorrow’s Testimony

He Will Not Always Take Your Afflictions

- The ultrasound was complete. The doctor told the prospective parents there was a cyst on the baby’s brain.

- The divorce wasn’t even final before his wife learned about her husband’s girlfriend.

- She was discharged from the mental hospital in Utah. Her parents located her at a bus stop in Las Vegas.

- The foreclosure on the home was final. The family had to be out by Saturday.

- There was nothing more the doctors could do. The young father died.

What do all these families have in common?
Each have completed a session at a local LDS temple.

The Doubt And Fear Of Our Times

“We are living through turbulent times.  A great storm of evil has come upon the earth. The winds of wickedness howl about us; the waves of war beat against our ship.  As Paul wrote to Timothy: “In the last days perilous times shall come (2 Tim. 3:1)…” (Robert D. Hales, “Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace and Joy,” Ensign, May 2003).

For some, the peril of the “last days” feels like it’s here today!

As I look into the eyes of others and hear their personal stories of tragedy, at times I see the doubt and fear of our times.  We are in a world where we experience mental illness, addiction, unemployment, war, natural disasters, economic downturns, immorality, and crime – just to mention a few.  Some might wonder, “How can I deal with such a serious problem?” or “Where is God’s power?”

Nothing “In This World”

From time to time, each of us is confronted with a challenge where it seems there is nothing “in this world” we can do to resolve it.  This is especially true regarding the unwanted behavior of a loved one.

With our personal skill and knowledge we can competently complete so many tasks.  We can fix the car, pay a bill, weed the garden, have the surgery, etc. We feel surprised or discouraged -perhaps even powerless – when we face a problem that seems “we” cannot fix.

Misinformed You Are Powerless

Only the unfaithful and weaklings argue they are powerless.  There is ALWAYS something very powerful you can do to influence a desired change, regardless of the tribulation or challenge you might face.

“I wonder if we can ever really fathom the immense power of prayer until we encounter an overpowering, urgent problem and realize that we are powerless to resolve it. Then we will turn to our Father in humble recognition of our total dependence on Him” (Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007).

“He will not always take your afflictions from you, but He will comfort and lead you with love through whatever storm you face” (Thomas S. Monson, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008,pp. 87–90).

Today’s Trial, Tomorrow’s Testimony

“As part of Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption, all people experience adversity during their lifetime. Trials, disappointments, sadness, sickness, and heartache are a difficult part of life, but with the help of the Lord they can lead to spiritual growth, refinement, and progress.” (Adversity, Gospel Topics)

Gospel Principle

The ways to cope with adversity may vary.  However, one skill should be constant — trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  The prophet Alma taught, “Whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 36:3).

Additional Resources

- Good Things to Come.  From: MormonMessages.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland recalls his days as a poor young father with a broken-down family car and testifies that for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, there are better days and good things to come.  Read the entire talk  An High Priest Of Good Things To Come.

- Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009.

- Adversity, LDS Family Services, Library of Helpful Information.