The Simple Things

Just the other day I was making a box out of wood and wanted the lid to have a slot in it. We don’t have a jigsaw, so I tried the next best thing - a drill. I drilled holes all along the center, and then tried to use a chisel and hammer to connect the holes. In the process I split the wood (making it so I would have to go back to the hardware store to purchase another piece and try again). I had no idea what I was going to do the next time. I decided to say a prayer. I asked that if it were at all possible that I could find a jigsaw to make the slot. 

It took a few days before I made it back to the hardware store. While there I showed the gentleman the split wood, told him I didn’t have a jigsaw and asked if he knew of any other way to make a slot in the wood. He thought for a minute and then said he would ask the guys in the back if they had a jigsaw and if they could do it. They did! To them it might have seemed like a small—even silly—thing, but to me it was an answer to my prayer.

Many years ago I had a very clear impression that I needed to join my roommate and spend a summer with her as a sales representative in a different state, selling door-to-door. It was something that I felt very strongly that I should do, and when everything fell into place in a very short amount of time I felt confident that I was where the Lord wanted me to be.

I realized very quickly that I am not a sales-person. I absolutely hate trying to convince people to buy something they may or may not care about. There was a team of about 9 of us, including our manager, who worked together. On average, each person on my team (and in the company, for that matter) made about 14 sales each week—except me. By the 5th week of the summer I had finally achieved 14 sales. My manager pulled me aside one day and said  that this job didn’t seem to be the right fit for me. Because of the way everything had fallen into place at the beginning of the summer I knew that I was where I was supposed to be and I told him I wasn’t leaving. He gave me one more week.

I had been praying to be successful in selling and to find people to sell to—but to no avail. My prayers seemed unanswered. After talking with my manager that day I decided that I needed to try something different. For the next week I determined not to ask the Lord for a single thing, but to only express gratitude. What an amazing experience! When I turned everything over to the Lord, and simply expressed gratitude, He was able to work miracles. In that week alone I had 31 sales.

Thinking of simple things I am reminded of the story of Naaman. Naaman was the captain of the host of Syria. He was a good man, honorable, and a man of valor. He was also a leper. (see 2 Kings 5:1). He went to the prophet Elisha to be healed of his leprosy, and when Elisha sent his servant out—telling Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed—Naaman left in anger.

“But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

“Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage” (2 Kings 5:11-12).

Naaman’s servant had great faith in the prophet of God. He recognized that Elisha was a prophet and that Naaman could in fact be healed if he would just listen and obey. He said: “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” (2 Kings 5:13). Naaman, humbled by his servant’s remarks, went to the River Jordan and washed seven times, “and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (2 Kings 5:14).

How often do we look for big thing to do to show our great faith, or our love of the Lord. The Lord doesn’t ask us to move mountains, but He does ask us to do simple things that require patience, sacrifice and faith on our part. That is how we grow.

In the parable of the ten virgins we read of five virgins who are wise and “took oil in their vessels with their lamps” while the foolish virgins “took their lamps, and took no oil with them” (see Matthew 25:3-4). The oil in their lamps represent simple things—simple acts of obedience that cannot be shared. President Spencer W. Kimball explains why,

“Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions … —these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, p256).

The Lord won't ask us to “run faster than [we have] strength” (Mosiah 4:27), nor will He ask us to do more than we are able to—with His help. He doesn't ask us to build a huge roaring bonfire, but asks that we do what we can and “Let [our] light so shine before men, that they may…glorify [our] Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Through our faith, and actions, ourselves and others can be blessed.

Nephi was instructed to build a ship to carry his family across the great ocean to the promised land. Nephi was not a shipbuilder, but he knew that the Lord would help him. When Nephi asked the Lord he did so with the intent to act. He didn’t ask the Lord to tell him what to do, but instead asked for help with something specific—a good lesson for each of us. 

“And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?” (1 Nephi 17:9). 

With the instruction he received he then went to work. He did what he could do, and turned to the Lord frequently for more guidance. Guidance which he abundantly received.

“And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.

“Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.

“And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

“And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they [his brothers] did humble themselves again before the Lord” (1 Nephi 18:1-4, emphasis added).

Nephi approached the Lord frequently to learn step-by-step how to accomplish the task at hand. Nephi moved forward—consistently—a little bit at a time. He showed the Lord his faith through the simple act of asking, and acting on the answers he received. His example of enduring, despite hardship, was key to his brothers humbling themselves before the Lord.

In the New Testament we read of some people who came to Jesus.

“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2, emphasis added).

I find it interesting that their act of service, of compassion, of helping the man with palsy, was seen by the Savior as an expression of their faith. There may have been many people who professed to have faith, and really believed that the man could be healed, but failed to act. So it is with us—we show our faith, through our actions. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).

I have found that there are times when I am trying to be faithful, but feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or that my prayers are not being answered. If have discovered that if I instead pray to know how the Lord would have me help someone else it seems to open the channels to heaven. My burdens are then lifted as I act on the impressions I receive. 

Recently I had an impression to send a simple email to a friend that I haven’t talked to for a while. She responded back with “the Lord works in mysterious ways” and said my email was exactly what she needed to hear at that time in her life. Something so simple, yet profound, gives me a greater glimpse into the workings of the Lord. President Spencer W. Kimball taught,

“God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, p82).

Often times it is our hands that are needed in doing the work of the Lord. He could do everything by Himself, but that would remove the purpose of our existence—we will never learn how to be like Him by just watching.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf told the following,

“A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.

“Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: ‘You are my hands’….

“As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart” (link to talk).

When the Savior called His disciple His words were simple, “follow me” (Matthew 4:19). As they followed Him they were brought to greater light and understanding. The same is true with us.

“We must the onward path pursue

"As wider fields expand to view,

"And follow him unceasingly,

"Whate'er our lot or sphere may be” 

(Link to Hymn: Come Follow Me)

No matter what this life offers us, we are here to live it day by day until the Lord calls us home. The Lord has outlined the path for us to follow. A simple path. Step by step we move slowly forward with His help. He will lead us, guide us, and bless us. We just need to be willing to act. As we do so we will find that He is right there waiting with open arms to bless us. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,

“Our Father in Heaven is an eternal being whose experience, wisdom, and intelligence are infinitely greater than ours. Not only that, but He is also eternally loving, compassionate, and focused on one blessed goal: to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life.

”In other words, He not only knows what is best for you; He also anxiously wants you to choose what is best for you….

“Part of our challenge is, I think, that we imagine that God has all of His blessings locked in a huge cloud up in heaven, refusing to give them to us unless we comply with some strict, paternalistic requirements He has set up. But the commandments aren’t like that at all. In reality, Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us.

“His commandments are the loving instructions and the divine help for us to close the umbrella so we can receive the shower of heavenly blessings.

“We need to accept that the commandments of God aren’t just a long list of good ideas.… They are divine counsel, based on eternal truths, given to bring ‘peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come’” (link to talk).

As we focus on the simple things in life—prayer, faith, gratitude, service—we will find joy. As we take a moment to look for the hand of the Lord in our life we will find that we are completely surrounded by showers of blessings. As we use these blessings to serve, and bless the lives of others we can find greater joy and happiness than we could have achieved on our own.

A Grateful Heart

We learn through scripture that there seem to be two ways to make the Lord upset. One is disobedience, and the other is ingratitude.

“And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (Doctrine & Covenants 59:21).

Confessing His hand in all things, and acknowledging Him as the Giver of all, is something that we can do to show our gratitude for the innumerable blessings He showers down on us. In the Book of Hebrews we read, 

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15).

It seems that the key to successfully navigating through this life is learning to be obedient to all that the Lord asks, and allowing gratitude to permeate our hearts despite whatever comes. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,

“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” (link to talk).

Our Father in Heaven gave us life. It is because of Him that we have the chance to live on this earth, with the challenges and opportunities that will help us become more like Him. Everything He does is for our eternal benefit, and for this we will always be indebted to Him. King Benjamin said,

“I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you…

“I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants” (Mosiah 2:20-21).

The Lord is perfect in His ability to bless us, and we can never do enough to break even. Some might ask “if we can never get ahead what’s the point of trying?” I had an institute teacher once say, “your contribution to your own salvation is insignificant, but all that you have you are required to give.” We may be frustrated about not gaining any ground, per se, but if that is the case we are forgetting that with the Lord there is no need to worry about competition. He loves us and everything He does is to show that love to us. Instead of thinking of this life as a competition against myself I realized that if I changed my focus it could be more accurately described as a partnership with God. 

With an all-loving, all-powerful Being on my side why do I sometimes doubt or fear? We know that "the natural man is an enemy to God" (Mosiah 3:19). The Lord wants our heart and He knows the sacrifice that it will take to overcome the natural man and willingly submit to His will. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught,

“…the submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we ‘give,’ brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!” (link to talk).

The Lord has blessed us with so many things. Several years back I started writing down those things that I am grateful for, ranging from my physical body, to listening to my kids singing, to the washing machine, or the stars in a clear night sky. But there may come times in our life where these things change or disappear—bodies age, children grow and leave, machines break, and clouds may cover our view. 

There is a song I like about a girl sitting on the train of life. She laments that she hasn’t reached the station of happiness, and comes to realize that there is no such station. She then determines to live her life the best she can, rather than wishing for something better (link to song: “The Station”). I think with a mentality like that even the hard times can be seen as a blessing.

Adam and Eve were living in a beautiful garden, forever young, and surrounded by a life of ease. They made a choice that had eternal consequences, and were cast out of the garden “to till the earth…and to eat [their] bread by the sweat of [their] brow” (Moses 5:1). Their reaction could have been negative because of the circumstances they suddenly found themselves in, but they did not forget the Lord. “Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord” and when asked why, he responded, “I know not, save the Lord commanded me” (Moses 5:5-6). He had made a decision to serve the Lord no matter what. Not only were Adam and Eve obedient, but they blessed God and despite their challenges they were grateful for them. Adam said,

“Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God” (Moses 5:10).

Eve also expressed her gratitude to the Lord,

“Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient” (Moses 5:11).

Despite their circumstances their hope was in the Lord their God. Their focus was on the redemption that would be made for all mankind through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Another example of gratitude is found in the Book of Mormon with the story of Lehi. He had made a decision to be obedient unto the Lord even when it was hard.

“And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.

“And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness” (1 Nephi 2:3-4).

He was asked to leave his homeland, and in the process left behind his monetary possessions. He could have been angry, like some of his sons, about having to be in the middle of the wilderness instead of enjoying a life of wealth, but he had his focus—and his gratitude—centered on the Lord. After traveling for several days they stop, and he remembers to thank the Lord.

“And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God” (1 Nephi 2:7).

His son, Nephi, was also “faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord” (1 Nephi 3:16). He also had a grateful heart and didn’t take his focus off of the Lord—even when his brothers expressed their desire, on several occasions, to kill him. One instance in particular stands out in my mind.

Nephi was commanded to build a ship. Once it is complete he and all that are with him climbed aboard and set sail. While on the journey his brothers decided they were tired of following him and tied him up—for several days. If it were me, I think I might have been a bit grouchy by that time. Nephi, on the other hand, recounts,

“And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work.

“Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me.

“And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore.

“And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.

“Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions” (1 Nephi 18:12-16, emphasis added).

Nephi had his focus on the Lord. Gratitude seemed to be a key element to keeping that focus. The Lord knows our circumstances and the Lord knows our heart. He recognizes when we are being stretched to our limits, and he also knows when we are choosing to use our situation as an excuse to not try as hard. Elder Jorg Klebingbat said, 

“The Lord knows your circumstances perfectly, but He also knows perfectly well whether you simply choose not to fully live the gospel. If that is the case, be honest enough to admit it, and strive to be perfect within your own sphere of circumstances” (link to talk).

There may be times when we and the Lord are the only ones who know how much we are really doing, and how hard we are trying to do what we have been asked to do. This reminds me of a story in the Bible.

“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

“And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

“And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

“For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living” (Mark 12:41-44).

To all who may have been watching, this widow's contribution would have been viewed as miniscule. James E. Talmage explained that, “her contribution amounted to less than half a cent in American money”. He further taught,

“In the accounts kept by the recording angels, figured out according to the arithmetic of heaven, entries are made in terms of quality rather than of quantity, and values are determined on the basis of capability and intent” (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p 521).

To the outsider she had not given much, but the Lord knew her heart and saw that she had given her all. Her obedience and gratitude were known only to Him.

In the Book of Mormon we find another story of gratitude. The group of people known as Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s have a situation. They have become converted to the Lord and their enemies (the Lamanites) are preparing to attack them. 

“Now there was not one soul among all the people who had been converted unto the Lord that would take up arms against their brethren; nay, they would not even make any preparations for war; yea, and also their king commanded them that they should not” (Alma 24:6).

The king then expresses his gratitude to God for sending Alma and the sons of Mosiah to teach them the gospel. He thanks his God for softening the hearts of his people so they could recognize the error of their ways. He continues to thank God for allowing them to repent of the “many sins and murders which [they had] committed” (Alma 24:10) prior to their knowledge of the truth. Then, regarding the current situation with the Lamanites he cries,

“Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby” (Alma 24:15).

These people then bury their weapons of war deep in the earth so that they won’t even be tempted to fight their enemies. Their gratitude to their Savior for His Atonement, and the ability for them to repent and change their ways, is so deeply imbedded in their hearts that this gratitude overshadows any fear of death. What a testimony! 

It can be the same with us. 

As we are obedient and keep our focus on the Lord, our gratitude will grow. As we humbly come unto Jesus Christ we can get to a point where our gratitude and love for our Savior will surpass any trial that we can encounter. Then, when we reach the end of this life and approach the gates of heaven, our gratitude will overflow when we remember that “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there” (2 Nephi 9:41). Jesus Christ will be at the gate—Himself. He will allow no other in His place because of His love for us. How grateful I am for His mercy. How grateful I am that He knows my circumstances and how grateful I am for His atoning sacrifice that allows me the chance to try again. 

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.

Small and Simple Things

A while back I decided to start jogging. It was something I  have done before, and I started slowly in order to safely increase my ability and capacity. In my haste to get back to where I had been before I tried to get there a little too quickly. I sped up my treadmill. It worked…at least for a little while…until I pulled a muscle. This forced me to stop, and it took a while before I could resume jogging again. I did learn my lesson though, and took it slow and steady the next time. 

There is no quick and easy road to heaven. Taking things slowly can be applied to more than just improving our physical endurance. It can also help our spiritual endurance and prepare us for the challenges that we will face in this life, and in the life hereafter.

“Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.” (Alma 37:6)

In thinking of small, yet significant, things that have had an impact on my life I am reminded of an experience I had with the still, small voice.

I had graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree and still had no idea what I really wanted to be when I grew up. I was happy at my job on campus, but realized that it was not where I was supposed to be. I didn’t have any plans for moving, and not knowing where to really start looking for a job I went through a “temp agency”, with the hopes of getting my foot in the door and obtaining a full-time job. 

It didn't take long to find one in my field. I was hired for a week. I loved what I did, and could see the potential for traveling (which is something I enjoyed). After 4 days I was asked if I would accept the position full-time. I was thrilled and immediately said “yes”. What could be better than getting what I was hoping for?

The rest of the day, however, I had a gentle gnawing feeling that it wasn’t where I was supposed to be. I waited until the end of the day and slowly approached the CEO and let him know that I was sorry and I could not accept the job. As I left that day I felt a feeling of freedom, even though I had no idea what the future would hold for me.

I went back to my parent’s home for the weekend, and the next week I started looking for jobs closer to home. Through a series of miraculous events I had a full-time job within two days. It was a job I stayed at for many years that I absolutely loved, and I grew so much more there than would ever have been possible at the temp job.

I have tried to listen to that still, small voice throughout my life. I have found that when I listen (and follow the feeling) things always work out; even if it doesn’t make sense.

I had another experience (around this same time) when I had decided to drive back to visit my old roommates. I had the car loaded, and started to drive away from home. My car screeched a little but because it had been doing that for a while I was used to the noise.

My parents live near the top of a steep hill and before reaching the hill I had a very strong, but gentle, impression that I needed to stay home. I turned the car around and stayed home. A little while later I felt I should check the brakes on my car. As I took the brake pads off, the brakes crumbled in my hand! I had worn them down SO thin and had not paid attention to the warning, screeching, signs. Had I also not heeded the gentle prompting of the spirit to stay home I don’t want to imagine what could have happened.

I am grateful to the Lord for the gentle guidance of the still, small voice. 

Throughout my life I have had opportunities as I’ve read the scriptures to find specific verses that have helped me during specific times in my life.

When I was going to college I struggled financially. I remember one day in particular I was feeling overwhelmed about it. As I read the scriptures that night the first verse I came to calmed my heart, and reminded me that I had been trying to handle the situation all on my own. What I needed to do was act in faith and trust in the Lord.

"And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him." (Helaman 12:1)

There have been other times in my life when I have opened my scriptures and read a verse that fit a particular need at that time. What a wonderful blessing it is to have the scriptures available and so easily accessible to us. 

Prayer is another thing that is so simple that it can often be overlooked, especially in the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, the power of prayer is no simple matter. In my life I have seen prayer work miracles: winds changed, fire stopped, fears abated, hearts softened, and many other examples. 

I remember listening to a performance by the composer Hillary Weeks who said, "the Lord is influenced by our faith". I honestly believe that faith is power and with it we can make things happen (if it is in accordance with the Lord's will). Faith coupled with prayer can work wonders.

I remember one time in particular when the Lord seemed to be influenced by our pleadings.

I was in my early teens, and my family had gone on vacation to Mexico. Our flight, as printed on the tickets, would be leaving the following morning to Los Angeles at 8:00 a.m. Gathering our large family into the airport at 6:00 the next morning we found out that our flight had already left – apparently the ticket agent had an old flight schedule (1 ½ years old). All flights from Mexico to Los Angeles for the next 3 days were completely booked. We were placed on standby, but the hopes of getting all 9 of us on one flight were pretty slim. We could either spend 3 days in the airport (which was not a pleasant thought), or split up our family so that we could take whatever seats became available on whatever flights happened to have room (also an unpleasant thought).

My parents decided to pray. I remember all of us kneeling together on the airport floor – I was a little embarrassed and had my face buried in a stuffed animal. My father’s pleadings must have touched the merciful heart of the Lord, because shortly after the prayer we were informed that an entire baseball team had missed their flight! This gave us ample room to make it to Los Angeles without any further worry.

I am grateful for a loving, and merciful, God who hears and answers our prayers. Not always in the way we expect, and not always right away, but the answers do come.

Another seemingly small thing that has made a big impact on my life is the power of gratitude. Gratitude is something that can change our perspective from sorrow or despair to hope and faith.

At one point in our marriage my husband and I had a very strong impression that it was time to look for a new job, out of state. We had never even considered the idea before, but we moved forward in faith. Within a short time we had a job offer. But, much to our surprise, we didn’t feel that we should accept it.

After declining the offer, the impression to move disappeared. I felt a little frustrated because the impression had been so strong. I struggled with it but tried to be grateful for the opportunity the Lord was giving me to strengthen my faith.

Looking back at what I have learned since that time, I have been able to be much more grateful for what I have, and it has helped me have a much more positive outlook on where I am right now.

President Uchtdorf said this about the power of gratitude,

"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." (link to talk)

If you have not tried offering a prayer of gratitude, try it. It can change the way you see the world.

Just as there are small and simple things to lead us toward the Lord, there are small and simple things that can lead us away from him just as easily, if not easier. Elder Neil L. Andersen said,

“…the world will not glide calmly toward the Second Coming of the Savior…. More concerning than the prophesied earthquakes and wars are the spiritual whirlwinds that can uproot you from your spiritual foundations and land your spirit in places you never imagined possible, sometimes with your barely noticing that you have been moved.” (link to talk)

Just as this is true, I believe that we cannot glide calmly toward eternal life with God.

Throughout my life I have learned that it takes a considerable, consistent effort to keep moving forward in the gospel. There have been times where I haven’t been as diligent in my scripture study, as sincere in my prayers, or as quick to heed the still small voice. I happily go on my way without realizing that I am slowly moving down a slippery slope.

In the book “The Screwtape Letters” by C. S. Lewis, a senior devil is trying to teach his apprentice devil the tricks to trap the human soul. I feel this advice very fitting to the examples I listed above.

“You will say that these are very small sins; and doubtless, like all young tempters, you are anxious to be able to report spectacular wickedness. But do remember, the only thing that matters is the extent to which you separate the man from the Enemy. It does not matter how small the sins are provided that their cumulative effect is to edge the man away from the Light and out into the Nothing. Murder is no better than cards if cards can do the trick. Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts…” (C.S. Lewis, The Complete C. S. Lewis: Signature Classics, 220)

Just as exercising slowly and steadily can increase physical endurance, our slow and steady journey to eternal life can increase our spiritual endurance. The Lord works with us at our own pace; “line upon line, precept upon precept” (Doctrine & Covenants 98:12). He will not give us more than we can handle, but he will continue to push us to our limit. As we are able to reach that limit (which we can always do with His help) he will push us a little further and a little further. He does this, because he has walked this path before and knows what it takes to become like Him.

President Spencer W. Kimball said,

“...let us remember that it is not so much what we know that is important, as what we do and what we are. The Master’s plan is a program of doing, of living, not merely knowing. Knowledge itself is not the end. It is how we righteously live and apply that knowledge in our own lives and how we apply it to help others that describes our character.” (link to article)

As we continually seek the Lord, albeit through small and simple things, we can learn how to become like Him, and how we can best serve Him while on this earth. Earth life is so short, and what we do here really will make a difference as to where we go after this life.