Dealing with adversity

OK, I thought a week ago I'd be talking all about the First Vision, as I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting about what we learn from the First Vision, and because in Relief Society we talked about the Wentworth letter, which contains an account of the First Vision. And I learned a lot in those endeavors. But I think I learned even more in Sunday School. The lesson was on dealing with adversity. Who doesn't need that? (If you'd like to see the lesson, click here to see the lds.org site with the lesson).

The First Vision is great, and of course the foundation of our religion, but I really needed to hear about adversity. Frankly, it appears as though my big test in life is to be single, at least for a very long time. As any reader of my blog knows, that's been especially vexing to me recently. So this was just the lesson I needed. It also helped that last night at Institute they also talked of adversity.

One of my favorite scriptures is Doctrine and Covenants 24:8 - Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of they days. It always makes me happy knowing that even though we'll have many afflictions in life, the Lord is ALWAYS with us. I also like how this scripture cross references Helaman 5:12 - And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. Isn't that such a great promise. If we build up our foundation with the Lord, the devil's effects will have no power over us.

From Institute, I was greatful to hear the lesson last night, and how it built on that Sunday school lesson. One of the scriptures that really hit me was D&C 58:2-5.

For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.

Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which is to follow.

Even though another scripture got my attention last night (D&C 136:31 - My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom), this one has been with me overnight. I can see the Lord just putting his arm on my shoulder and telling me, "I know this is really difficult for you, but it will be SO worth it." I just have to endure and strengthen myself and resist temptation and it will be all worth it. It's just so hard with our limited understanding. And our finite patience. It's still hard, but these scriptures help strengthen me and help me realize there's got to be a plan for me.

Edit: First of all, in case you were wondering, the picture is of Derek Redmond, the UK athlete that pulled his hamstring in the Olympics, but pushed on, and with the help of his father, finished the race.

Second, I've learned not to judge people's trials and try to say one person's trials are greater than another. To me, it's all in the perception and in our own life experiences. I have heard many people say something like they know what I'm going through, being single, because they were 25 before they got married. I would tell those people they have an understanding of what it's like, but you really have no idea of how much greater the trail seems with each passing year to still be single. Likewise, I can't possibly judge people's trials with children - I have no basis for that context. Or many other trials I can't possibly have a frame of mind for. I can just try my best to be there for them and let them know that although I don't know what they're feeling, I still care about them. That's really what we all need, to know we're not alone.

Oh, and thank you, God, that you're the one that judges us, knowing all that we experience and all that we suffer through.