A question that has always been a deep concern for me and many people that I'm close to has been; "Why does it have to be so difficult? If Christ lives and loves us, why must we still experience such intense trials and hardships?" I have often times found that intense hardships seem to arise when I feel I am at my best and doing everything that I can to be obedient and worthy. Why is that?
I will forever be grateful for what the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches me about this:
I add my own testimony to that of Elder Holland's; my conviction and my testimony of the Savior of the World has come most abundantly in moments when I have been pushed and tried until reaching my breaking point and pleading that I "might not drink the bitter cup".
I am so grateful that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has taught me to welcome trial and tribulation as it comes, with a completely new perspective. I'm thankful that I am learning to see my intense hardships as opportunities to grow ever closer to my Savior and to experience a tiny portion of what He experienced as He bled and died for me. I am grateful for my trials. I am grateful for what they teach me about myself and about my Savior. I am grateful that because of those truths that the Lord has so graciously taught me in the midst of my trials and hardships, I am given opportunities to reach out help others overcome what I have been blessed to overcome.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ not only offers a promise of the peace and rest that is attained by coming unto Christ, but teaches that trials that befall us can be for our benefit as we choose to rely on Him. My trials offer me opportunities to work and to fight for my salvation. I will forever be grateful for them.
"O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation..." Moroni 9:27
