Being Grateful for Trials

Bishop Dean M. Davies, of the Presiding Bishopric, was at a devotional with LDS cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Instead of a formal talk, time was given for the cadets to ask questions. One of the questions was, “does the Lord give us challenges that are intended to impede our progress?” (Dean M. Davies, "Heavenly Help for Our Mortal Journey", Ensign, July 2014). I think that sometimes as we face challenges we may wonder where the Lord is, because they may feel too hard to bear.

When I was about 12 years old we were living in Venezuela. One evening I remember being really excited for our Young Women’s activity: a daddy-daughter date. When my dad came home from work I remember being dressed and ready, standing in the kitchen. It was then that he told me the activity had been canceled. My friend’s dad had been killed.

What I remember is that her dad was a businessman, and had been taking a suitcase of money to the bank after work. When he got there, two men opened the car door and demanded the money. When he refused, they shot him in the leg, took the suitcase and ran. He died that day, leaving behind his wife and 7 young children.

Elder Harold G. Hillam, of the Presidency of the Seventy, related it this way,

“[I had] an interview …with a handsome zone leader in the Brazil São Paulo Interlagos Mission. I said to the missionary, ‘Tell me about your family.’ He then relayed the following. He was born into a wealthy family. His father had a responsible position in a multinational corporation. They moved from Brazil to Venezuela. He was one of seven children, all members of the Church.

“When the missionary was fifteen years old, his father was shot and killed by a fleeing thief. In a family council it was decided to return to Brazil and invest their savings in the purchase of a small home. A year and a half later, the mother informed the children that she had been diagnosed with cancer. The family used valuable savings to help pay the medical expenses—but to no avail. Six months later the mother passed away, leaving the young family alone.” (Harold G. Hillam, "Sacrifice in the Service", Ensign, November 1995)

This happened over 25 years ago, and it is still something that is hard for me to fully understand. I sometimes wonder why they had to face this trial, and how their life might have been different without this sorrow. President Uchtdorf said,

“Sooner or later, I believe that all of us experience times when the very fabric of our world tears at the seams, leaving us feeling alone, frustrated, and adrift.

“It can happen to anyone. No one is immune.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances, Ensign, May 2014)

Have any of you ever felt that way? That your life is completely falling apart around you? How does one find the strength to move on, trust the Lord, and endure?

I want to talk about the story of Job, from the Old Testament. Job had to deal with a lot of trials. In the book of Job we find out what kind of person he was.

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

“And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

“His substance [was such] that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.” (Job 1:1-3)

To be perfect means, as noted in the footnote in Job 2:3 means to be “blameless”. To be upright is defined as “strict adherence to moral principles”. He feared God, or in other words reverenced or respected Him. To eschew means to “habitually avoid”.

In later verses it also shows Job being a man of integrity (Job 2:3); he strengthened the weak (Job 4:3-4), he was compassionate (Job 29:12-13); he followed the way of the Lord and valued the words of the Lord more than his “necessary food” (Job 23:11-12).

In short, Job was an incredibly wealthy man, who was also incredibly good. I am guessing that he was also very humble.

One day Satan approaches the Lord, and Job is talked about in their discussion. The adversary thinks that Job is only righteous because he has been blessed so abundantly.

“And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.” (Job 1:12)

When hearing this verse, something occurred to me. Satan had to ask the Lord's permission to essentially destroy everything that Job had. This reminded me that the Lord is in charge. Satan’s power is limited. If given the chance, I am sure that Satan would completely destroy anything and everything that each of us hold dear. But he cannot. He had to approach the Lord. Satan saw only what Job had, but the Lord knew Job’s heart. I think that is why the Lord allowed Satan to try Job in this way.

Sometimes in our own lives we may feel challenged with more than we think we can bear. But, the Lord knows our heart. He knows what we can handle, and he knows our limits. Our purpose here on earth is to be tested and tried in such a way that we can, not only return to live with Him, but to become like Him.

With Satan unleashed, Job lost all of his children, his servants, his property, and income in one day. His response?

“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,

“And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.

“In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” (Job 1:20-22)

Job worshipped the Lord. Job probably did not understand why all of this was happening to him, but he trusted in the Lord. President Uchtdorf gives us a little insight into something else that may have been a key to Job’s response.

“Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.

“We can be grateful!

“It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances, Ensign, May 2014)

After seeing that this did not crush Job, Satan again approached the Lord and asked for another try. This time the Lord allowed Satan the power to afflict Job physically, but he could not take his life (Job 2:1-6). Again, this is something the Lord allowed Satan to do because he could see into the depth of Job’s heart.

Job is then tried with boils covering his body, nightmares, loss of support from family and friends, not understanding why he has to go through these trials, mocking, feeling that the Lord had forgotten him or was not listening to his prayers. But never once did Job lose faith, nor doubt the Lord. Job found strength in the Lord, despite his challenges.

Continuing from President Uchtdorf, we read,

“Being grateful in times of distress does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges.

“This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. It is a gratitude that heals the heart and expands the mind.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances, Ensign, May 2014)

I think that, along with his deep and abiding faith in the Lord, Job had developed this kind of gratitude.

In Romans we read,

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

In Second Nephi we read,

“thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain….For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things….But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.” (2 Nephi 2:2, 11, 24)

From these scriptures we can find comfort in knowing that we will face opposition, but the Lord is in charge and all things will work out for our good…eventually.

President Henry B. Eyring said,

“If we choose the right, we will find happiness—in time. If we choose evil, there comes sorrow and regret—in time. Those effects are sure. Yet they are often delayed for a purpose. If the blessings were immediate, choosing the right would not build faith. And since sorrow is also sometimes greatly delayed, it takes faith to feel the need to seek forgiveness for sin early rather than after we feel its sorrowful and painful effects.” (Henry B. Eyring, "A Priceless Heritage of Hope", Ensign, May 2014)

Many times we need to struggle through our challenges in order to become stronger. The Lord may see greater challenges ahead that we need to be strengthened for. In His infinite love He is preparing us for greater challenges, but also for even greater blessings.

Sometimes our challenges may last a lifetime, but once this life is over how grateful we will be when we can see things more clearly and understand the whys.

President Uchtdorf counsels,

“It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. But what then of those times when what we wish for seems to be far out of reach?

“Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be….the choice is ours. We can choose to limit our gratitude, based on the blessings we feel we lack. Or we can choose to be like Nephi…like Job…like the Mormon pioneers…or [w]e can choose to be like the Prophet Joseph Smith, who, while a prisoner in miserable conditions in Liberty Jail, penned these inspired words: ‘Dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.’

"We can choose to be grateful, no matter what.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Grateful in Any Circumstances, Ensign, May 2014)

I want to continue from Elder Hillam’s talk about my friend and her family.

“Our young missionary, Elder Bugs (pronounced Boogs), now sixteen years old, went to work, first selling clothing, then later computer supplies. He used his hard-earned money to support the young family. He said, ‘We were always blessed to have enough to eat. I would work during the day, then help the children with their studies at night. I especially miss my little sister. I taught her to read.’

"Elder Bugs continued, ‘Then the bishop invited me to come in for an interview. He called me on a mission. I told him I would need to speak with my family first. In our family council, they reminded me that Dad had always taught us that we should be prepared to serve the Lord as full-time missionaries. I accepted the call. When I received my letter from the prophet, I withdrew all my savings. I bought a new suit, a pair of pants, white shirts and ties, and a new pair of shoes. I gave the rest of the money to the bishop (enough for about four months of support for the family). I hugged my little family and left for my mission.’

"I looked at that brave young man and I said, ‘But Elder, with you away, who is taking care of your family?’

“’Oh,’ he said, ‘my brother is sixteen. He is the same age I was when our mother died. He is taking care of the family now.’

"I had an opportunity recently to talk by telephone with Elder Bugs. He has been home from his mission for six months now. When I asked him how he was doing, he said, “I have a good job again and I am caring for the family, but oh, how I miss my mission. It was the greatest thing I have ever done. I am now helping my younger brother prepare for his mission.”

Elder Hillam then asks us,

“Why have these great missionaries and others like them been willing to sacrifice the comforts of home, family, loved ones, and sweethearts to answer the call to serve? It’s because they have a testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Harold G. Hillam, "Sacrifice in the Service", Ensign, November 1995)

And, I want to ask, "How can those who suffer be able to endure their trials patiently?" They do it by holding fast to their faith in Jesus Christ.

"What about those who are treated unjustly, or for whom life is unfair?" They remember, as Linda K. Burton stated,

“All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” (Linda K. Burton, "Is Faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ Written in Our Hearts?", Ensign, November 2012)

Elder Orson F. Whitney offers us comfort with these words,

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. 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, more worthy to be called the children of God…and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven” (Orson F. Whitney, quoted by Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, 98).

So, in response to the question asked by the cadet, I want to quote again from Elder Davies,

“Does the Lord give us challenges in life that are intended to impede us? No. When we face tests and trials, rather than feeling sorry for ourselves, let us ask these questions:

"‘What can I learn from this experience?’ and ‘How will this experience strengthen me and help me prepare for the future?’” (Dean M. Davies, "Heavenly Help for Our Mortal Journey", Ensign, July 2014)

In our quest to continue forth in faith, I am reminded of the words to a hymn:

“Let us all press on in the work of the Lord,…

We will not retreat, though our numbers may be few
When compared with the opposite host in view;
But an unseen pow'r will aid me and you…

If we do what's right we have no need to fear,
For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near;…

Fear not, though the enemy deride;
Courage, for the Lord is on our side.” 
(Let Us All Press On, Hymn #243)

We can remember to be grateful despite our circumstances. We can be as Job, who never lost faith in the Lord. We can continually press forward, and fear not, knowing that the unseen power of the Lord will be there, and that the Lord, truly, is on our side.