Trials

This week, I was reading in the book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon. In chapter 23, it talks about a righteous group of people. the people of Limhi. They were doing good things and living good lives, when Heavenly Father gave them a trial. And not just any trial, they were inundated by a huge trial--the Lamanites coming and taking their lands and persecuting (bullying) them. As a preface to the story of this trial, Mormon adds in these verses (verses 21-22)

"Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people;

yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. 

Nevertheless--whosoever putteth his trust in him

the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus

it was with this people."

Sometime a trial comes when we are living correctly/doing our best. We may not understand why it comes, but if we do what this group of people did, we will come out conquerors like they did. When Alma, their leader, teaches them to remember the Lord, and trust him, "they hushed their fears" (verse 28). They prayed, they trusted, and they did not give up on the Lord. After the trial of their faith, the blessing came. In chapter 24, it talks about how the spirit of the Lord strengthened them and they were able to bear the burdens of the trial. It was not immediately taken away, but the load became bearable. Then, because their faith and their trust continued to grow, they were delivered from their trial completely by a miracle. 

I love this story! It has brought me so much comfort in my life. I know that when hard times come, if I do my best, have faith, keep moving forward with faith and hope, I know that I will make it though. The Lord is looking out for me. He loves me. And YOU. He loves you. You can make it through any trial, big or small, that you are facing right now if you move forward with faith, hope, and trust. Believe that the Lord will bless you. Remember that He loves you and that He has promised to deliver you from trials, like the people of Limhi, and you will be blessed like them. It may be that your fears melt away, you may be strengthened to bear the load, or the load may be taken from you. Whatever happens, happens according to the will of Lord. Trust Him and all will be well in the end.