Search for Tag : trial

By: Richard Age: 65+ Topic: ,

. . . whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 36:3)

“. . . by small and simple things are great things brought to pass . . .” (Alma 37:6)

“O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.” (Alma 37:35)

“See that ye are not lifted up unto pride . . .” (Alma 38:11)

“. . .see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.” (Alma 38:12)

“Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward . . . .” (Alma 41:14)

One of my goals in life has been to be a good father to my children. I have watched the example of others, read many suggestions in many places, and listened to counsel as to how best to do this. It seems that the learning curve is slow so that by the time one learns how to be a parent, the children are soon gone from the home. It is my belief that fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness. In The Book of Mormon I found some wonderful chapters in Alma 36-42 where Alma gives instructions to his sons that have helped me in doing this. I have tried to pattern some of the things that I teach my children as a father after his words. Those I have quoted above, and many other instructions given by Alma to his sons, have made this book very valuable and special to me. I have received a personal witness that The Book of Mormon is true, that its teachings have helped me as a father and in every aspect of my life, and that it has helped me draw nearer to God.

By: Deanne Age: 65+ Topic: , , ,
"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety, hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they saw them not. And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:4-6)

As a young mother, I watched some of my children express doubt because their prayers were not always answered immediately or in the way they wanted. I, myself, felt that God’s love for me was manifest in the blessings I received at His hand. So when trials came along, and lasted a long time as they often do, I had the feeling that I had displeased my Heavenly Father in some way and was not worthy of the blessing I badly needed. Then I read, again, the counsel from these two great prophets and I realized that my children and I both needed to learn that hope and faith always precede the miracle. Answers to prayer, and especially miracles, do not happen in order to prove our faith is justified. I told my children that asking for blessings to prove there is a God makes faith unnecessary, and that is not the way God operates.
I know God is there and hears my prayers and loves me, weak as I am. I have learned that “no” is an acceptable answer to a requested blessing. Thanks to Ether and Moroni, I continue to have faith that Heavenly Father’s wisdom is greater than my own, and that is what I now share with my grandchildren.

By: Brooke Age: 12-18 Topic: , , ,
"And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me." (Alma 36:27 )

Let me start by saying I believe God and Jesus Christ are two separate people, and they love and care for us and will help us through our trials. The above scripture is my favorite in the Book of Mormon. This last year has been one of the most trying times of my life. When I read the Book of Mormon it seems to give me a push in the right direction and inspiration to go on with my day. The Book of Mormon has touched not only my life, but the lives of people around me. I never learned the true meaning of the Book of Mormon until I had gone through the trials of my life. I know that when my dad was 14, he knew the Book of Mormon was true. I am now 14 and I know that the Book of Mormon is true and it touches the lives of so many people around me. The Holy Ghost touched my heart and told me these things after I had prayed about them. My favorite religious teacher told me that when we search and understand something in the Book of Mormon, we understand something more about God. I know that we can grow closer to our God in heaven if we read the Book of Mormon.

By: Bethany Age: 12-18 Topic: , , , ,
"And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people . . . and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh. . . ." (Alma 7:11-13)

This past year I have really gotten to know my Savior Jesus Christ on a deeper and more personal level. I have never felt so much pain and sorrow as I have felt my last years of high school. I struggled through though, because I know that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. While I was reading the Book of Mormon, I came across the above passage of scriptures that has changed my life forever. Christ could have just asked the Spirit what it was like to feel all this pain and suffering, but this scripture suggests to me that Christ wanted to feel what we’ve felt, to go through what we experience, so that he can better extend the hand of mercy to us. He didn’t want to just sympathize with us, He wanted to empathize with us. What greater show of love could Jesus have given us? He didn’t want us to walk alone in these trying times; He wanted to be there with us, every step of the way, so that He could better understand what we need. He will never leave us comfortless and alone, He will always be there for us. I know that He will always be there for me, and He will never leave me to bear my trials alone. I know this with all my heart. I am thankful to have Jesus Christ as my Savior.

I know that Jesus Christ is always there for us, and He never leaves us to bear our trials alone. I know this to be true with all of my heart, and I’m so thankful to have Jesus Christ as my Savior.