Adversity--A Pathway to Spiritual Growth

As I was reading the Book of Mormon this morning, the following verse stood out: "I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (1 Nephi 20:10). (See also Isaiah 48:10.)

It is interesting how often the subject of adversity is mentioned in Nephi’s writings.  It shouldn’t be a surprise, since Nephi faced and was refined by a great deal of adversity.  He didn’t become a great prophet in spite of adversity.  Rather, adversity was a means the Lord used to refine Nephi into a powerful spiritual leader. 

Affliction is given all of us to refine us, to make us more pure and prepared to return to our Heavenly Father. It isn’t a punishment (unless the adversity is a consequence our mistakes) but rather a tool to help us grow, like the heavy weights lifted by athletes help to make them stronger.

This scripture reminds me of several other scriptures:

"My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion" (D&C 136:31).

“We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

The Lord spoke the following words to the Prophet Joseph Smith: "If thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7).

It is also important to know that the Lord won't give us any adversity that is beyond our ability to withstand.  Our best efforts (faith-filled prayer and obedience), coupled with His grace will see us through even the most difficult of times.

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted [tried] above that ye are able; but will with the temptation [adversity] also make a way to escape [grow], that ye may be able to bear it [overcome it]" (1 Corinthians 10:13).

"We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities [adversities]; but was in all points tempted [tried] like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly [confidently] unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace [enabling power] to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

I know from personal experience that God is aware of us.  We do not suffer any trial of which He is unaware.  Because He has come to know us and how we deal with adversity, He is perfectly able to give us the power to overcome our adversity and to become stronger, more valiant disciples in the process.  Let us renew our determination to overcome every obstacle in our path.  Let us pray ever more fervently for God's help in our times of need.  He is faithful to help us, to strengthen us, and to draw us ever more firmly and lovingly "in the arms of His love" (2 Nephi 1:15).  This applies to everyone who goes to Him in faith and humility, not just to a select few.  Of this I bear my personal witness.

“By the Power of God, and not of Man”

June 7, 2012

I just finished reading the Book of Mormon for the first time through this year.  While doing so, I marked references to the Savior, including His many names as well as the pronouns that refer to Him.  In addition, I marked passages in which He is quoted directly.  As you can imagine, there are thousands of red markings in the book. 

I am now reading it through the second time.  This time I decided to study the Book of Mormon with a question in my mind.  The question bears on developing a quality of character that I would like to have in greater abundance.

As I was reading this morning in “The Testimony of Three Witnesses”, I came across the statement, “by the power of God, and not of man”.  It occurred to me that for me to succeed, I need heavenly help to accomplish my objective.  If I depend only on my own power—my own determination and sheer grit—I will not succeed.  To become as God wants us to become requires His grace, His enabling power.  Therefore, I will strive to seek His power in my pursuit of personal improvement.