181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
In the Saturday afternoon session of general conference, Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy spoke of the importance of trials, and the blessings gained from them.
"We know that one reason [for difficult challenges] is to provide a trial of our faith to see if we will do all the Lord has commanded," Elder Johnson said. "Fortunately, this earth life is the perfect setting to face — and pass — these tests."
Trials are not just to test, they are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature. If handled properly, they will be consecrated for our gain.
He quoted Elder Orson F. Whitney who said, "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted.... All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable."
One gains the education that he or she came here to gain, through sorrow, suffering, toil and tribulation.
"It should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal — almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses," Elder Johnson said. "And no one is exempt, especially not saints striving to do what is right."
Trials may focus on weaknesses because personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges.
Elder Johnson spoke of a hike in Utah's Logan Canyon that he enjoys. The view along the highest cliffs are the most beautiful, but the most difficult to reach. One must go through the most difficult and steepest part of the trail to reach the final reward.
"'After much tribulation come the blessings,'" he said, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 58:4.
He shared scriptural examples, including the children of Israel, Nephi facing his brothers, and Joseph Smith, to show the pattern of facing and living through opposition to see the blessings that come on the heels of trials.
In the midst of tribulation it may be difficult to see through to the coming blessings, but Elder Johnson promised, as did Paul, that our afflictions truly are light.
"Not one of the trials and tribulation we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord," Elder Johnson said. "We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us."
