The Book of Mormon contains some great counsel given by Lehi
to his son Jacob. Speaking of some trials he had faced in his earlier years,
his father reminded him of the greatness of God, then commented, “and he shall
consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain” (2Ne. 2:2). We likewise can experience greater
growth and abundant blessings during times of difficulty and challenge. This
pertains to each of us as missionaries and throughout our lives.
A wonderful illustration of this point is found in the
following story related by Elder D. Todd Christofferson:
Some time before I was called as a
General Authority, I faced a personal economic challenge that persisted for
several years. It did not come about as a consequence of anyone’s wrongdoing or
ill will; it was just one of those things that sometimes come into our lives.
It ebbed and flowed in seriousness and urgency, but it never went away
completely. At times this challenge threatened the welfare of my family and me,
and I thought we might be facing financial ruin. I prayed for some miraculous
intervention to deliver us. Although I offered that prayer many times with
great sincerity and earnest desire, the answer in the end was “No.” Finally I
learned to pray as the Savior did: “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be
done” (Luke 22:42). I sought the Lord’s help with each tiny step along the way
to a final resolution.
There were times when I had
exhausted all my resources, when I had nowhere or no one to turn to at that
moment, when there was simply no other human being I could call on to help meet
the exigency before me. With no other recourse, more than once I fell down
before my Heavenly Father begging in tears for His help. And He did help.
Sometimes it was nothing more than a sense of peace, a feeling of assurance
that things would work out. I might not see how or what the path would be, but
He gave me to know that, directly or indirectly, He would open a way. Circumstances
might change, a new and helpful idea might come to mind, some unanticipated
income or other resource might appear at just the right time. Somehow there was
a resolution.
Though I suffered then, as I look
back now, I am grateful that there was not a quick solution to my problem. The
fact that I was forced to turn to God for help almost daily over an extended
period of years taught me truly how to pray and get answers to prayer and
taught me in a very practical way to have faith in God. I came to know my
Savior and my Heavenly Father in a way and to a degree that might not have
happened otherwise or that might have taken me much longer to achieve… I
learned to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I learned to walk with Him day
by day.
I hope you will look at your challenges through eyes of
faith and that you will trust in the Lord to help and comfort you. Seek answers
and solutions, but do not get frustrated if they do not come immediately.
Here are excerpts from some of my favorite emails last week:
“I've been reading in Mosiah this week, about the people of
King Limhi and Alma the Older. Something that stuck out to me was that when the
people of Alma were going through all their trials, the Lord strengthened the
people in their trials instead of immediately delivering them. It just made me
think about that when I have trials in my mission, it’s because the lord wants
me to grow, and he will help me overcome it instead of taking it away. It gave
me a new view on my trials.”
“This week has been going well, but there have been a few
disappointments along the way. We've been contacting a lot and meeting with our
investigators, but unfortunately some of our new investigators aren't willing
to meet with us anymore. Despite disappointments, I don't find myself
discouraged or disheartened because we really did everything we could to help
them along. I think one aspect I've really been developing is finding joy and
encouragement in hard work, even if the fruits of such labors aren't always so
immediately apparent.”
“Also this week for my Birthday wish, I told [my companion]
I literally wanted to stop and talk to EVERYONE on the side of the road that
day! It was incredible, I met so many new people, and although none really had
intent to meet with us I felt really happy and satisfied knowing I had invited
all of them! It was the best!”
Elders and Sisters, I am so grateful to the Lord for giving
me this opportunity to labor alongside Him this last time in His vineyard.
Missionary service is not easy and often highlights our own weaknesses and
shortcomings. But I would not trade this experience for anything. I am grateful
for each of you, for serving faithfully and diligently. I know that the Lord
loves you and is pleased with what you are doing.
President Blickenstaff
Mentor of Champions
