Trials
“The gospel was given to us to heal our pain, not to prevent it.”1
Different trials
Being a single adult
Divorce
Adversity
Wayward children or other family members
Disabilities, illness, or death
Infertility and perinatal loss
Overcoming
“Possibly, after all our trials, we can feel as though we cannot bear the loss of a child or the injustice of a parent, spouse, child, or employer or myriad other bitter realities. However, we cannot avoid such circumstances altogether; we are forced to confront them. Whether we confront them with or without our ideals is up to each of us. When we have clear ideals and sincerely strive to be true to them we have hope. When we reject or ignore our ideals, or in other words, let go of the iron rod, we are lost, and our feelings truly can included being overwhelmed or in despair. As mortals, we will on occasion, let go of the iron rod, but the solution to that problem is not to be found in any superficial excuses we may make or in trying to reduce our guilt by saying we are only human. It is to be found only in restoring our grasp on the iron rod.”1
“Sometimes people believe their agency or accountability can be suspended when experiencing the heat of an emotion. However, we are still agents, even when we experience life as though we were victims of our emotions.” 1
“Into every life there come the painful despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly see, to do right and be faithful. The thorns that prick, that stick in the flesh, that hurt often change lives which seem robbed of significance and hope. This change comes about through a refining process which often seems cruel and hard. In this way the soul can become life soft clay in the hands of the Master in building lives of faith, usefulness, beauty, and strength. For some, the refiner’s fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such a refining is part of the perfection process.”1
President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.”1
Steps to help during hard times
· Have an honest heart
· Be responsible moment to moment
· Be constant in service
· Become one with Heavenly Father
1 Dollahite, D. (2000). Strengthening Our Families: An in-depth look at the proclamation of the family. Salt Lake City, UT.
