The Blessing of Trials
Today in Relief Society we spoke about this talk, Mountains to Climb, that President Henry B. Eyring gave in April 2012's General Conference. I remember learning so much from this talk when it was given and I'm so happy we had a chance to study it today.
I wish everyone I know could have a testimony that trials are part of God's plan and that they are given to us to refine us and teach us during this mortal life and that they are tailored to fit our specific needs. I understand so well that each difficult (and easy) trial has been part of my life so that I can learn how to rely on the Lord and learn from it to shape myself. I am grateful to know this so young when I know that the greatest of life's challenges are ahead of me.
At one point, President Eyring spoke of his mother's funeral and said:
"One of the speakers at her funeral was President Spencer W. Kimball. Among the tributes he paid, I remember one that went something like this: “Some of you may have thought that Mildred suffered so long and so much because of something she had done wrong that required the trials.” He then said, “No, it was that God just wanted her to be polished a little more.” I remember at the time thinking, “If a woman that good needed that much polishing, what is ahead for me?”
I can't wait to see the person I become after a full life of polishing in just the right places. After all, we did choose to come here to this Earth knowing that we need these mortal experiences to prove that we can follow the Lord's commandments, stick to Heavenly Father's plan, and learn valuable lessons.
President Eyring continued:
"If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it. And with prophets revealing to us our place in the plan of salvation, we can live with perfect hope and a feeling of peace. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord’s service because we never are. We can feel the love of God. The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up.10 And He always keeps His word."
What a wonderful lesson! More thoughts to come!
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