More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us

I was flipping through the latest Conference issue of the Ensign and I came across this talk and it really provided me comfort. The talk is by Elder Paul V. Johnson. Now I just need to remember these things! In May I posted excerpts from a Conference talk and I thought it was the same one, and I double checked and it was a different one that resonated in the same way about seemingly the same topic. I am thankful for inspired leaders that have all the right words to teach us the things we should already know, but they put it in a different way, use different stories and examples and it will hit us and really make us think. This is what happened to me as I read this talk. I heard it during Conference, but rereading it months later, its meaning in my life, now, is just what I need to get me through.

Earth life includes tests, trials, and tribulations, and some of the trials we face in life can be excruciating. Whether it be illness, betrayal, temptations, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, or some other ordeal, affliction is part of our mortal experience. Many have wondered why we must face difficult challenges. We know that one reason is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded.1 Fortunately this earth life is the perfect setting to face—and pass—these tests.2
But these trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature.3 If we handle these afflictions properly, they will be consecrated for our gain.4

I really liked this next part:


Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”5

At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses. And no one is exempt, especially not Saints striving to do what’s right. Some obedient Saints may ask, “Why me? I’m trying to be good! Why is the Lord allowing this to happen?” The furnace of affliction helps purify even the very best of Saints by burning away the dross in their lives and leaving behind pure gold.6 Even very rich ore needs refining to remove impurities. Being good is not enough. We want to become like the Savior, who learned as He suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.”7

A pattern in the scriptures and in life shows that many times the darkest, most dangerous tests immediately precede remarkable events and tremendous growth. “After much tribulation come the blessings.”8 The children of Israel were trapped against the Red Sea before it was parted.9 Nephi faced danger, anger from his brothers, and multiple failures before he was able to procure the brass plates.10 Joseph Smith was overcome by an evil power so strong that it seemed he was doomed to utter destruction. When he was almost ready to sink into despair, he exerted himself to call upon God, and at that very moment he was visited by the Father and the Son.11 Often investigators face opposition and tribulation as they near baptism. Mothers know that the challenges of labor precede the miracle of birth. Time after time we see marvelous blessings on the heels of great trials.

In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time. “No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”13 The Apostle Paul taught, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”14 It is interesting that Paul uses the term “light affliction.” This comes from a person who was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and who experienced many other trials.15 I doubt many of us would label our afflictions light. Yet in comparison to the blessings and growth we ultimately receive, both in this life and in eternity, our afflictions truly are light.

Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.

Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.16

Our Heavenly Father loves us, and we “know that 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.”18 Someday when we get to the other side of the veil, we want more than for someone just to tell us, “Well, you’re done.” Instead, we want the Lord to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”19

I must remember that ALL these things are for my good and will be for a moment. And that one day I will reap the benefits if I am obedient. It isn't easy, especially when what you see in front of you may tell you that things aren't going your way or how you had planned. The reason why I liked the above paragraph was because it is so true how the trials in our lives are very personal and affect us to the core. It's because Heavenly Father knows right where we need it! That really put things in a different perspective for me. It helps me understand my weaknesses and WHY the trial is what it is. I need to learn Christ like attributes and Heavenly Father knows just the right way to teach me. Just when I think I am being good, things take a turn and once again I must reevaluate myself and where I stand in regards to my relationship with Christ. (And there's that process that is grueling). I look forward to the "marvelous blessings at the heels of my trials". I think I can say that I have experienced SOME but I know the trials aren't over, and I don't think I've really reached that moment of "utter despiar" even though sometimes it feels like it when the furnance keeps slowly getting hotter. I know that I am not alone, and loved by my Heavenly Father. I just need to chose not to try and do it on my own, that's how I mess things up :)

And I do, when I get to the other side of the veil, I want more than for someone just to tell me, “Well, you’re done.” Instead, I want the Lord to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”