ADVERSITY

"To those who stagger or stumble, he is there to steady and strengthen us. In the end he is there to save us, and for all this he gave his life. However dim our days may seem they have been darker for the Savior of the world." ~Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "This Do in Remembrance of Me", Ensign, November 1995"

When you take the path that climbs, that harder path of the Savior, there are rewards along the way. When you do something right, when you resist temptation, when you meet a goal, you will feel very good about it. It is a very different kind of feeling than you have when you violate commandments--an altogether different feeling. It brings a measure of peace and comfort and provides encouragement to press on." ~Elder Richard G. Scott, "Finding the Way Back", Ensign, May 1990

"Our task is to become our best selves. One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final." ~President Thomas S. Monson, "The Will Within," Ensign, May 1987, 67

It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, even some failure is normal. If you have a good, miserable day once in a while- or several in a row- stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out. There is great purpose in our struggle in life.~ Boyd K. Packer, Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord’s Own Way, Conference, April 1978

"To reach a goal you have never before attained, you must do things you have never before done." ~ Elder Richard G. Scott, "Finding the Way Back," Ensign, May 1990, 74

"While I believe that reverence is often exhibited through reverent behaviors, it is not behaviors that concern me now. I want to discuss reverence as an attitude of deepest respect and veneration toward Deity. Of course, reverent behaviors follow reverent attitudes, but it is the attitude of reverence that we need to cultivate first among our members. Reverent behaviors without reverent attitudes are empty of meaning because they are performed for the praises of men, not God." ~Elder L. Tom Perry, "Serve God Acceptably with Reverence and Godly Fear," Ensign, Nov. 1990, 70



"Gratitude expressed to our Heavenly Father in prayer for what we have brings a calming peace-a peace which allows us to not canker our souls for what we don't have. Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future. A recognition of and appreciation for our gifts and talents which have been given also allows us to acknowledge the need for help and assistance from the gifts and talents possessed by others." ~Robert D. Hales, "Gratitude for the Goodness of God", Ensign, May 1992, 63



"As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help others -those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them." ~Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding a Safe Harbor", Ensign, May 2000, 59



"It is often in the trial of adversity that we learn those most critical lessons that form our character and shape our destiny." ~Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy", Ensign, Nov 2009, 55–58



"If we do not have a deep foundation of faith and a solid testimony of truth, we may have difficulty withstanding the harsh storms and icy winds of adversity which inevitably come to each of us." ~Thomas S. Monson, "On Being Spiritually Prepared", Ensign, Feb 2010, 4–6

"There is a divine purpose in the adversities we encounter every day. They prepare, they purge, they purify, and thus they bless." ~James E. Faust, "The Refiner's Fire," Ensign, May 1979, 53

 

CAPSTONE:

Adversity is something none of us will pass over freely. We all face adversity at some time in our earthly probation. How we deal with that adversity makes all of the difference. With each trial, we are molded like a coal is turned to a diamond. If we endure the pressures and trials of life with faith in God, we become purified and more like God. Adversity forces us to our knees. We become humble and therefore teachable. When life is going smoothly, we become confident that we do not need God as much. As soon as we encounter adversities, we realize how much we need God and hopefully we reach out to Him in humble prayer. When I think back over my life thus far, the times I have grown spiritually have been shortly after a difficult time in my life. What this teaches me, is that we should pray for trials so that we can grow and become more like our God. I believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can press on through our adversities. I'm grateful for the modern day prophets that testify of this.