Adversity is part of God's plan for our eternal progress. Every person, including our Savior, has experienced joy and sorrow in this world. As much as we would like to go without these hard times, we know it is part of the plan Heavenly Father has for us. Pres. Hunter teaches, "We came to mortal life to encounter resistance. It was part of the plan for our eternal progress. Without temptation, sickness, pain, and sorrow, there could be no goodness, virtue, appreciation for well-being, or joy...We must remember that the same forces of resistance which prevent our progress afford us also opportunities to overcome."
Our mortal tribulations are for our growth and experience. "I take even greater comfort that the greatest of men and women, including the Son of God, have faced such opposition in order to better understand the contrast between righteousness and wickedness, holiness and misery, good and bad. From out of the dark, damp confinement of Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith learned that if we are called to pass through tribulation, it is for our growth and experience and will ultimately be counted for our good (D&C 122:5-8)." Pres. Hunter also tells us, "If you have troubles at home with children who stray, if you suffer financial reverses and emotional strain that threaten your homes and your happiness, if you must face the loss of life or health, may peace be unto your soul. We will not be tempted beyond our ability to withstand (1 Corinthians 10:13)."
We have every reason to be optimistic and confident even in times of difficulty. What a blessing it is to have the gospel of Jesus Christ and the promises of the prophets in the scriptures and latter-day prophets. Can you imagine trying to wade through life without it? Pres. Hunter says, "I reassure you that things have been worse and they will always get better. They always do - especially when we live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ and give it a chance to flourish in our lives."
When we come to the Savior, He will ease our burdens and lighten our loads. In Matt 11:28-30 we receive these words from the Savior: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." "Here is the promise of personal peace and protection. Here is the power to remit sin in all periods of time. We, too, must believe that Jesus Christ possesses the power to ease our burdens and lighten our loads. We, too, must come unto Him and there receive rest from our labors."
Latter-day Saints need not fear the tribulations of the last days. We know we live in hard and perilous times. There is wickedness everywhere we turn. The Lord has told us, "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not (D&C 6:34, 36)." Joseph Smith said about our time that ours is the moment "upon which prophets, priests and kings [in ages past] have dwelt with peculiar delight; [all these ancient witnesses for God] have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live; and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day;....we are the favored people that God has [chosen] to bring about the Latter-day glory." Pres. Hunter reminds us, "What a privilege! What and honor! What a responsibility! And what joy! We have every reason in time and eternity to rejoice and give thanks for the quality of our lives and the promises we have been given."
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