We’ve all been there, at least in one way or another. Down and out, feeling like nothing is going our way. Asking ourselves, “Why me?,” or “Why now?,” or even “Where is God in this?” These are great questions, and the best part is there are answers. No one’s life path is completely paved with roses. Occasionally, as we walk down our path, we find that the path is broken, or has disappeared altogether, leaving us feeling alone or even lost. Sometimes we may even find ourselves directly or indirectly affected by the events of the world.
Each of these times call for a decision. At first, it seems easy to just feel low, and express negative feelings and emotions. However, we can choose to be positive, no matter what the situation. This world was created by our Heavenly Father to be a place of learning. Just like the potter with his clay, we are shaped and exposed to heat, ultimately resulting in the finished product that our Creator desires. As we go through difficult times, we must take comfort in our faith in Christ. His suffering and death were real events, with real results for everyone, collectively and individually. I take comfort in these scriptures:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6
The Book of Mormon also offers powerful witnesses of Christ, written by prophets on the ancient American continent:
“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind…and he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” -Alma 7:11-12
“And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.” -3 Nephi 11:11
My faith is centered around my personal belief that all things wrong in the world are made up through Christ. I believe everything does happen for a reason. Looking back on the events in my life this has been clearly evident.
We will continue to experience difficult times in our lives. Let’s always remember that they are for our good, and take comfort in knowing that it’s all a part of a bigger picture that, in time, we will understand more clearly and perfectly. It is our faith in Christ that can take us anywhere we desire to go. It’s that simple. Believe, and then go and do.
“…I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.” -1 Nephi 3:7
The Latter-day Life 