In the Midst of Trials

Do you feel overwhelmed with school, work, or family responsibilities? Is there a challenge you’re going through that seems impossible to overcome? You’re not alone. Trials are a part of God’s plan that help His children become who He needs them to be.

Trials Are a Part of God’s Plan

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “Through a sequence of choices [Adam and Eve] transgressed a commandment of God which required that they leave their garden setting. Because we were then born into that fallen world and because we too would transgress the laws of God, we also were sentenced to the same penalties that Adam and Eve faced.” ¹

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Jeffrey R. Holland, “Where Justice, Love, And Mercy Meet,” Ensign, May 2015, 104

This means that we too must experience trials in this life that cause us to grow and change.

God knew Adam and Eve and their posterity would struggle as a result of living in this world. But, Adam and Eve also made their decision knowing it would be for their good. No matter what trials we face, they can be for our benefit if we choose to let them.

Staying on the Path

Since tribulation was and is a part of life, we should do our best to learn how to embrace it and learn from it. When struggles come while trying to obtain higher education and juggling work and family life, we can “know in whom [we] have trusted” ²

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2 Nephi 4:19

— Jesus Christ. Here are a few ideas to keep you on the path when trials come your way:

1. Pray and study the scriptures daily

It can be hard to want to communicate with Heavenly Father when things aren’t going right. We might feel unworthy or upset with Him and find it difficult to make our prayers meaningful.

However, we can experience light and strength we need in the darkest times as we talk with God and read His word daily. Elder Richard G. Scott said, “Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high.” ³

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Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 6

2. Remember that not all trials come from sin

A common response when we’re faced with tribulation is to assume it’s because we’re doing something wrong. However, Elder Holland reminds us that most of the time, we’re not the cause of trials in our life.

"Certainly not everything we struggle with is a result of our actions. Often it is the result of the actions of others or just the mortal events of life. But anything we can change we should change, and we must forgive the rest. In this way our access to the Savior’s Atonement becomes as unimpeded as we, with our imperfections, can make it. He will take it from there." ⁴

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Jeffrey R. Holland, “Broken Things to Mend,” Ensign, May 2006, 69

No matter the cause, Jesus Christ is always willing and waiting to give you the help you need to overcome your trials. In any situation, remember, you are always worthy to receive the Lord’s help.

3. Attend the temple and seek revelation

When you’re in the midst of trials, it can be hard to find peace. Thankfully, there is a spirit of peace that’s present wherever the temple is. Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “The temple is a place of refuge, thanksgiving, instruction, and understanding. … Throughout my life it has been a place of tranquility and peace in a world that is literally in commotion.” ⁵

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Quentin L. Cook, “See Yourself in the Temple,” Ensign, May 2016, 97

Find ways to be close to the temple: attend often, walk the temple grounds, keep pictures of the temple in your home, or study about the temple in the scriptures. No matter what challenges we face, the comforting promises found in the temple can sustain us through anything.

4. Serve others

When we’re suffering, we often become overly self-aware. However, thinking too much about problems will only magnify them. While struggling during his mission, President Gordon B. Hinckley’s father wrote six words to him in a letter that changed his life: “Forget yourself and go to work.” ⁶

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“Sweet is the Work: Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of the Church,” New Era, May 1995

Seeing the needs of others and caring for those who are struggling can help you gain perspective about your own trials. Selfless service will open your heart and ease your mind.

Relying on the Savior

We all face tribulations in life, but we don’t have to go through them alone. Our loving Savior is constantly by our side, waiting with outstretched arms to help us. Jesus Christ said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ⁷

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Matthew 11:28

Because of His infinite Atonement, we will always have a Savior who understands exactly what we’re going through and exactly how to help us. All we have to do is ask. Never forget that, even when we face the hardest of trials, “all things work together for good to them that love God.” ⁸

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Romans 8:28