Trials

• “If we succeed in passing through the approaching fiery ordeals with our fidelity and integrity unimpeached, we may expect at the close of our trials, a great and mighty outpouring of the Spirit and power of God—a great endowment upon all who shall have remained true to their covenants.” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
• “Joseph and Emma Smith were a great support to each other during the many times of affliction they faced. In 1842, when Joseph was in hiding because his life was in danger, Emma was able to visit him. Joseph later said about this visit: “With what unspeakable delight, and what transports of joy swelled my bosom, when I took by the hand, on that night, my beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. Many were the reverberations of my mind when I contemplated for a moment the many scenes we had been called to pass through, the fatigues and the toils, the sorrows and sufferings, and the joys and consolations, from time to time, which had strewed our paths. … Oh what a commingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here, … undaunted, firm, and unwavering—unchangeable, affectionate Emma!” ( History of the Church, 5:107). Doctrine and Covenants and Church History: Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual, (1999), 53–57
• “With celestial sight, trials impossible to change become possible to endure.” (Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 1988, 35)
• “The Lord has determined in His heart that He will try us until He knows what He can do with us. He tried His Son, Jesus. … Before He [the Savior] came upon earth the Father had watched His course and knew that He could depend upon Him when the salvation of worlds should be at stake, and He was not disappointed. So in regard to ourselves. He will try us, and continue to try us, in order that He may place us in the highest positions in life and put upon us the most sacred responsibilities.” Teachings of the Presidents of the Church:  Lorenzo Snow.  Chapter 7: Faithfulness in Times of Trial: “From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine”
• “Many of you may have severe trials, that your faith may become more perfect, your confidence be increased, your knowledge of the powers of heaven be augmented, and this before your redemption takes place. If a stormy cloud sweep over the horizon…if the cup of bitter suffering is offered, and you compelled to partake; Satan let loose to go among you, with all his seductive powers of deceivings and cunning craftiness; the strong relentless arm of persecution lifted against you;–then, in that hour, lift up your heads and rejoice that you are accounted worthy to suffer thus with Jesus, the Saints, and holy prophets; and know that the period of your redemption has approached.” Teachings of the Presidents of the Church:  Lorenzo Snow Chapter 7: Faithfulness in Times of Trial: “From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine”
• Jacob 7: 21-27… And when the multitude had witnessed that he spake these things as he was about to give up the ghost, they were astonished exceedingly; insomuch that the power of God came down upon them, and they were overcome that they fell to the earth. 22 Now, this thing was pleasing unto me, Jacob, for I had requested it of my Father who was in heaven; for he had heard my cry and answered my prayer.  23 And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored again among the people, and they searched the scriptures and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked man.  24 And it came to pass that many means were devised to reclaim and restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; but it all was vain, for they delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually.  25 Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies.  26 And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old; and the record of these people being kept on the other plates of Nephi, wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days.
• “Every man and woman who serves the Lord, no matter how faithful they may be, have their dark hours; but if they have lived faithfully, light will burst upon them and relief will be furnished.” From the Life of Lorenzo Snow (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 7: Faithfulness in Times of Trial: “From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine”)
• “Worrying won’t stop the bad stuff from happening, it  just stops you from enjoying the good.” Charlie Brown
• “What is Your Adversity Reaction:  Getting Bitter or getting better, It’s the difference of one letter. If you’re bitter, notice why It’s that selfish little “i”.” – by Pete Czerny
• “Every trial a man goes through, if he is faithful in that trial and does honor to God and his religion he has espoused, at the end of that trial or affliction that individual is nearer to God, nearer in regard to the increase of faith, wisdom, knowledge, and power, and hence is more confident in calling upon the Lord for those things he desires. I have known individuals who have trembled at the idea of passing through certain ordeals who after they were through the temptation have said they could approach the Lord in more confidence and ask for such blessings as they desired…” Chapter 7: Faithfulness in Times of Trial: “From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine”
• “Though we will face trials, adversities, disabilities, heartaches, and all manner of afflictions, our caring, loving Savior will always be there for us.” General Conference, Ronald A. Radband, April 2012
• “By definition, trials will be trying. There may be anguish, confusion, sleepless nights, and pillows wet with tears. But our trails need not be spiritually fatal. They need not take us from our covenants or from the household of God.” General Conference, Neil L. Anderson, October 2012
• “As a member of the restored church, I have often found myself on the receiving end of Christlike empathy. As young parents, my wife and I spent a year caring for a gravely ill daughter. Our daily lives were in complete disarray. I have to say honestly that at the time, this unimaginable hardship significantly compromised the simple faith that had sustained me in my youth. Our home teacher at the time, Skip Johnson, was initially really at a loss as to how to help us. He checked in, but we’d often be MIA, having rushed to the hospital in emergencies, or spending days at a time there.  Skip sometimes felt a bit intrusive asking about the details of our daughter’s deteriorating condition. I came home from the hospital one night so weary, to find that he had let himself into our house, where he stood washing the dishes and scrubbing the sink out. Nothing was that dirty, but I think he found that was a good way for him to work out his frustrations about our situation and to demonstrate his love for us at the same time. There was nothing I needed more than that token of his love and empathy for me. Of all the amazing help that we received during that trial, I don’t know why the memory of that simple gesture sticks with me the most. Skip wanted to enter our burning building somehow, so in “comprehending” us, he decided to do it with our hide-a-key, comet, and a scouring pad. What an inspired minister he was.” – President Scott Smith, San Clemente Stake Conference, June 13th, 2021
• “Many of you may have severe trials, that your faith may become more perfect, your confidence be increased, your knowledge of the powers of heaven be augmented; and this before your redemption takes place. If a stormy cloud sweep over the horizon, if the cup of bitter suffering be offered, and you compelled to partake; Satan let loose to go among you, with all his seductive powers of deceivings and cunning craftiness; the strong relentless arm of persecution lifted against you then, in that hour, lift up your heads and rejoice that you are accounted worthy to suffer thus with Jesus, the Saints, and holy prophets; and know that the period of your redemption has approached.” Manual,Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow,  Chapter 7, Faithfulness in Time of Trial from the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine