Carest Thou Not That We Perish?

We are living in difficult times, the Covid-19 virus is still raging around the world and there have been over 373,000 deaths world-wide. It is difficult to tell if the number of cases is slowing or if it is a temporary decline. The last time the world experienced a pandemic like this was 100 years ago during the influenza pandemic. During that time one third of the world’s population was infected with the virus and 50 million people died.

It is easy to understand why people question if there is a God, then why would he allow these things to happen. Why do bad things happen, especially to good people? Suffering is part of mortality. In Abraham 3:25 we read: “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them”. This life is a test to see if we can be faithful and obedient to the things that God asks us to do.

While the scriptures do say that some things God does inflict on us, i.e. the flood, but suffering is also caused by our choices, the choices others make, and by natural disasters. Regardless of where our suffering comes from; the choices we make in how we react to the difficult times will show if we have faith in Jesus’ ability to deliver us and heal our wounds or not. Remember the words that the Lord spoke to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail: “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7).

There are two experiences in the Book of Mormon that teaches us about suffering. Remember the people of Limhi that were in bondage to the Lamanites due to their wickedness during the reign of King Noah. Deliverance was hopeless so they tried to defeat the Lamanites in battle and were defeated three times. After the third defeat, they were so humbled that they “submitted themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies. And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.” (Mosiah 21:13-14). They finally were delivered after they had humbled themselves and submitted to God’s will.

The other group was Alma and the people of the church that fled from King Noah. They also were brought into bondage by the Lamanites, but their experience was different than the people of Limhi. Alma and his people were humble and tried to follow the commandments of God. We read that:

“the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” (Mosiah 24:13-15)

Like these people in the Book of Mormon, we can respond to our difficult times by relying on our strength and will power to get through it and finally be forced to be humble, or we can humbly submit and rely on the Lord for deliverance. The burdens of Alma and his people were not taken away, but the Lord strengthened them so that the burdens were made light.

Mortality brings with it lessons in many forms, all of them are meant to give us experience and help us grow. As we go through life’s challenges, we are made stronger and gain understanding that will help us as we minister to others. As we humble ourselves and allow others to minister to us, we learn to love and be submissive to the Lord’s will for us.

Even the Lord’s disciples had to learn to trust in the Lord. One time when they were on a ship a storm arose and they thought that the ship would sink. The Lord was in back asleep and they woke him saying “master, carest thou not that we parish”. Mark says that Christ rose and rebuked the wind saying: “peace be still”, then he asked the disciples: “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:36-40)

This current pandemic will pass, and we will be able to go back to work, to church, and to social events. How we get through this difficult time will show how much faith and trust we have in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As we trust in the Lord and his plan for us, we can have peace in this world and in the world to come.

Your comments and questions are welcome.

Surviving Spiritually

Today (Sunday October 18, 2018) in our sacrament meeting Silas Smith talked about a friend from his high school days. Todd was one the first friends he made when his family moved to a new community and went to a new high school. Todd became involved in the popular crowd and strayed from the Gospel and God’s commandments. Because of his popularity, Todd did not hang out with Silas and his other friends.

Todd’s life changed when he was involved in an accident that paralyzed him from the neck down. His “friends” stayed with him for a while but eventually stopped coming to see him. Silas and his friends, however, did not abandon him and continued to be with him and encourage him. Eventually Todd began to read the scriptures and do the things he needed to get back on the gospel path. One day Todd told Silas that the accident was the best thing that happened to him. He was headed in the wrong direction and could have never come back, but because of the accident he would eventually be ok and have eternal life.

That is a pretty good outlook and I am not sure I would be that strong. When I face adversity my first reaction is why is this happening to me? When we feel this way, we must remember what Elder Neil L. Anderson taught in the past October General Conference:

“We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers.” (Wounded)

One of the other speakers in today’s sacrament meeting, Cathy Gorge, talked about what is happening in Paradise, California where the campfire wildfire has destroyed over 12,000 homes and there has been 76 confirmed deaths and almost 1,300 people unaccounted for. A bishop of one of the wards said that every member of the ward has lost their homes. He told the Church news that as he was leaving home on the morning before the fires started, he was prompted to go back and get his family out. He did, and he also sent messages to his ward to evacuate as well, all church members and missionaries are safe and accounted for. (Church News)

Photo by John Locher/AP Photo

Elder Anderson reminded us that we will all, even those who keep the commandments of God, experience trial in our lives:

“Although the details will differ, the tragedies, the unanticipated tests and trials, both physical and spiritual, come to each of us because this is mortality. Wounds of the soul are not unique to the rich or the poor, to one culture, one nation, or one generation. They come to all and are part of the learning we receive from this mortal experience.”

Elder Anderson give several suggestions that will help when we are faced with adversity.

1. Never Give up - no matter how long the problems persist we will get through them.

2. Pray with all your heart - strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ, he will not leave us comfortless.

3. Take your wounded hear and your family names to the temple as frequently as possible.

4. Look forward - your troubles and sorrows are real, but the will not last forever. 

Photo by Noah Berger/AP

Elder Anderson concludes by reminding us:

“No injustice, no persecution, no trial, no sadness, no heartache, no suffering, no wound—however deep, however wide, however painful—will be excluded from the comfort, peace, and lasting hope of Him whose open arms and whose wounded hands will welcome us back into His presence, and God shall wipe away all our tears.” (Wounded)

Speaking in an April 2018 general conference address President Russell M. Nelson said:

“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” (Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives)

I have had trials, but nothing compared to the ones mentioned here. I can only pray that I will have the faith and testimony to survive spiritually when more difficulties come alone. I also hope that I have the compassion to help others when they face adversity and together, we will all help each other endure and overcome our afflictions.

Your comments and questions are welcome. If you like this post, I would ask that you share it with your family and friends on your social media.