Elder Hallstrom started with two stories of adversity and how the parties handled it. The first, did not go well, was very sad, and had an on-going negative four generations. The second, from his own family, was sad but ended positively and had a positive affect on four generations. He discussed the role of adversity in our lives and the plan of happiness.
Throughout the world and among the membership of the Church, there is great joy and great pain. Both are part of the plan. Without one, we cannot know the other.
No matter the size of the issue, how we respond can reset the course of our life.
Elder Hallstrom related part of the story of Joseph Smith in Liberty jail and the revelation found in Doctrine and Covenants section 122. Great counsel for us is found in verse 9: "Therefore, hold on thy way, and . . . fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."
Elder Hallstrom continued: If you feel you have been wronged - by anyone or anything - deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. "Hold on thy way (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load.
Showing posts with label Adversity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adversity. Show all posts
Elder James B. Martino: All Things Work Together for Good
A very good talk on trials and tests.
Each of us will face trials and tests, . . . it is how we react to those difficulties that will determine our success and happiness. Each of us will face adversity no matter where we are. We are taught in the scriptures that there "must needs be . . . an opposition in all things." We will each face times of difficulty, and the question is not when we will face them but how we will face them.
Our Heavenly Father who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more Christlike. Our trials come in many forms, but each will allow us to become more like the Savior as we learn to recognize the good that comes from each experience. As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love. We may never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we can grow from the experience.
The challenge is to gain that eternal perspective while we are going through our tests. To some, our trials may not seem great, but to each of us who are passing through these experiences, the trials are real and require us to humble ourselves before God and learn from Him.
Elder Martino the talks about five things that we can learn from those last hours of the Savior's life on earth that can help us to face our own trials.
First, He sought not to do His will but only the will of His Father. I ask a question to you mothers: "Would you ever do something that would cause pain and bring tears to your children when they have done nothing wrong?" Of course you would! When mothers take young children to the doctor to receive immunizations, almost every child leaves the doctor's office in tears. Why do you do that? Because you know that a small amount of pain now will protect them from possible pain and suffering in the future. Our Father in Heaven knows the end from the beginning. We need to follow the example of the Savior and trust in Him.
Second, when we are faced with trials, we must learn to not complain or murmur. We must always attempt to correct the problem and overcome the trial, but instead of asking "Why me?" or "What did I do to deserve this?" maybe the question should be "What am I to do? What can I learn from this experience? What am I to change?" This is excellent advice and counsel.
Third, when we face our challenges, we must seek greater help from God. We must remember that often the answers from our Heavenly Father do not remove the trial from us, but instead He helps strengthen us as we pass through the experience. (Another excellent point.) In our trials, let us not become bitter or uncommitted, but let us follow the Savior's example of becoming more earnest, more sincere, and more faithful.
Fourth, learn to serve and think of others even in our times of trial. President Monson stated, "I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish - and in effect save their lives."
Fifth, forgive others and do not seek to pass the blame of our situation to them. There is a tendency for the natural man to pass blame to someone else so as not to be accountable for his or her actions.
As we pass through the trials of life, let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become ever more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another. (Good summary)
Each of us will face trials and tests, . . . it is how we react to those difficulties that will determine our success and happiness. Each of us will face adversity no matter where we are. We are taught in the scriptures that there "must needs be . . . an opposition in all things." We will each face times of difficulty, and the question is not when we will face them but how we will face them.
Our Heavenly Father who loves us completely and perfectly, permits us to have experiences that will allow us to develop the traits and attributes we need to become more Christlike. Our trials come in many forms, but each will allow us to become more like the Savior as we learn to recognize the good that comes from each experience. As we understand this doctrine, we gain greater assurance of our Father's love. We may never know in this life why we face what we do, but we can feel confident that we can grow from the experience.
The challenge is to gain that eternal perspective while we are going through our tests. To some, our trials may not seem great, but to each of us who are passing through these experiences, the trials are real and require us to humble ourselves before God and learn from Him.
Elder Martino the talks about five things that we can learn from those last hours of the Savior's life on earth that can help us to face our own trials.
First, He sought not to do His will but only the will of His Father. I ask a question to you mothers: "Would you ever do something that would cause pain and bring tears to your children when they have done nothing wrong?" Of course you would! When mothers take young children to the doctor to receive immunizations, almost every child leaves the doctor's office in tears. Why do you do that? Because you know that a small amount of pain now will protect them from possible pain and suffering in the future. Our Father in Heaven knows the end from the beginning. We need to follow the example of the Savior and trust in Him.
Second, when we are faced with trials, we must learn to not complain or murmur. We must always attempt to correct the problem and overcome the trial, but instead of asking "Why me?" or "What did I do to deserve this?" maybe the question should be "What am I to do? What can I learn from this experience? What am I to change?" This is excellent advice and counsel.
Third, when we face our challenges, we must seek greater help from God. We must remember that often the answers from our Heavenly Father do not remove the trial from us, but instead He helps strengthen us as we pass through the experience. (Another excellent point.) In our trials, let us not become bitter or uncommitted, but let us follow the Savior's example of becoming more earnest, more sincere, and more faithful.
Fourth, learn to serve and think of others even in our times of trial. President Monson stated, "I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish - and in effect save their lives."
Fifth, forgive others and do not seek to pass the blame of our situation to them. There is a tendency for the natural man to pass blame to someone else so as not to be accountable for his or her actions.
As we pass through the trials of life, let us keep an eternal perspective, let us not complain, let us become ever more prayerful, let us serve others, and let us forgive one another. (Good summary)
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