Enduring in Times of Difficulty
Submitted by: Stan Winchester
Author: Stan Winchester
Date Sumbitted: Feb 20, 2000
There have been times when I have felt like I could not go one step further. One more burden would have surely brought the crushing blow and pushed me over the edge. There was a time I would run away whenever I saw hard times coming, because it hurt too much. It did not matter how far I ran or how desperately I tried to hide the pain or the problem, it would always find me. Many times I thought I had managed to avoid the pain or problem, but I found the burden would to come back and haunt me somewhere down the road. Unresolved problems or feelings are just that - unresolved. Until they are resolved, problems will one day demand their attention due. Several years ago I learned that facing my problems, with the Lord's help, was the best way to handle them.
We all experience obstacles or stumbling blocks in our lives which can affect our ability to judge a situation for what it really is. Sometimes, if we are able to stand back and take a different look at a situation, or ask for help, the view may offer different light. I once read a statement which says, "obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal." The feeling that I get from this statement is that no matter what is placed before me, as long as my eyes are on my goal then there are no obstacles I cannot overcome. If returning home again to my Heavenly Family is my goal and if I keep Our Father in Heaven and the Savior in my sights, then nothing will stop me.
In the October 1974 general conference Bishop H. Burke Peterson said, "Let us remember - trials are an evidence of a Father's love. They are given as a blessing to His children. They are given as opportunities for growth." He went on further to say, "We will have no temptation or trial beyond our ability to overcome. He will provide a way for us to rise above - whatever it may be." Please note that many trials are beyond our control. Some of the trials we experience are brought into our lives through the sins of others. Through their wrong and sinful acts they hurt others. It is not Heavenly Father's desire to have these trials afflict us, but He allows man his agency to choose. He can help us turn these trials to our growth, if we call on Him.
This is not to say trials are not painful, because often they are very painful. To say most trials don't hurt would be denial. I testify our Father loves each and every one of us. I know from personal experience trials are easier when we draw upon Him for strength, direction and love. I have seen the effects of going through trials. If I was given the opportunity to go back and not experience the trials that have crossed my path, I would still choose the trials. Even though some of these trials were so difficult that there were times I did not think I could bear it to the end of the day because the burden was so great. The blessings and growth from the trials for me have far out weighed the difficulties endured. Now that my past trials are over, I can see how much I have learned and grown. I can see that Heavenly Father really did sustain me through it all. I have seen wonderful blessings from a loving Father in heaven.
"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:5-7,9).
The Prophet Joseph Smith had more than his share of burdens, and one time while he was feeling the weight of his pains in Liberty Jail, he called upon our Father in Heaven and said, "O God, where art thou? . . ." Listen to what was said in reply. "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes." (D&C 121:1,7,8).
I have felt comfort in knowing that if I endure my afflictions well then my Father will exalt me on high. At times, I have experienced an incredible peace and comfort while in the midst of afflictions and trials. The Lord has given me a peace not found in the world. This peace has helped me to gain an eternal perspective, to hang on when otherwise I would have given up.
It is my sincere hope and prayer that my words will not add to your burdens, but that you might find peace, hope, and courage to face the trials that come your way. There was a time when all I could see was darkness and could only wish for Light. When I felt that there might be some Light, I tried to reach for it. When I saw the Light, I moved toward it. Now I have found Light and though darkness still tries to creep in, I know that there is Light and it is worth hoping for. May we all reach this Light, even the true and living Light of Jesus Christ is my prayer.
Stan Winchester