Trials are experienced by all mankind, from the womb until death. Each is born with challenges to overcome, and faith to be developed. Until we have a broad perspective of God’s eternal plan for man, we cannot make much sense out of the inequities in life. Pain and suffering are permitted by God, because they are part of his plan for us to be more worthy to be called the children of God and to return to live with him.
Silent Pain
Behavior is often a reflection of past wounds. What silent pains do
others suffer deeply from, that we are not aware of? Ponder some of
life’s endless pains, sorrows and regrets which are owned by both the
offender and the offended one.
| Abandonment/neglect Abuse-emotional, physical, sexual Addictions Alcoholism/Children of Alcoholics Anger/resentment/hatred Betrayal/deception/infidelity Broken hearts Bullying Chemical disorder Childhood trials Death of family/friends Debt/poverty Depression/sadness | Disabilities (physical, behavioral) Disappointment Discouragement/hopelessness Divorce/Marital problems Domestic violence/contention Eating disorders Employment issues Family issues Humiliation/criticism Incarceration/feeling guilt/remorse Insecurity/feeling unloved Low self-worth/confidence Mental illness | Natural Disasters Painful experiences/memories Physical pain Stress Rejection/loneliness/aging Revenge/unforgiveness Sickness/terminal illness Strained relationships Suicidal thoughts Temptation Trust issues Victims of crime/violence …and countless more |
Some of our pain is caused by others
and is out of our control, just as Christ suffered innocently for the
sins and pain of others. Whether caused by others and undeserved,
self-imposed and deserved, or a result of natural consequences including
illness and death, we will all be judged by how we respond to both our
trials and the trials of others.
The need for charity is all around us. Expand your circle of friends by getting to know those who are experiencing some of life’s deep pains and sorrows. Reach out with a gentle heart and a friendly hand to those who are lonely, weak, discouraged, wounded, and suffering—even when you are carrying burdens that may be heavier than theirs.
Treat others as though they recently have, are currently having, or are about to experience a great personal trial—and most of the time, you will be right.
The need for charity is all around us. Expand your circle of friends by getting to know those who are experiencing some of life’s deep pains and sorrows. Reach out with a gentle heart and a friendly hand to those who are lonely, weak, discouraged, wounded, and suffering—even when you are carrying burdens that may be heavier than theirs.
Treat others as though they recently have, are currently having, or are about to experience a great personal trial—and most of the time, you will be right.
Trials Have a Purpose
God does not cause trials and suffering, but rather permits suffering to occur to accomplish his purposes. Trials play an important role in God’s plan for all of his children, providing a trial of our faith to see if we will draw closer to God, obey his commandments, learn and grow from our experience, better understand the pain of others, love and serve others who are suffering, and forgive those who have offended us.
“Who shall
separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans
8:35)
Each person is tested to prove to the God whether he is willing to obey
his laws. That was the purpose of the creation of the earth and our
entrance into mortal life—to test our faith and obedience. We each
experience good and evil, happiness and suffering, joy and pain. The
great test of life is obedience, to prove to ourselves and God that he
can trust us.
“…that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no…” (Exodus 16:4)
“And this (Jesus) said to prove him; for (Jesus) himself knew what (Philip) would do…” (John 6:6)
“…remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no…” (Deut. 8:2)
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” (2 Corin. 13:5)
“Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” (Psalms 26:2)
“And this (Jesus) said to prove him; for (Jesus) himself knew what (Philip) would do…” (John 6:6)
“…remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no…” (Deut. 8:2)
“…for the Lord
your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with
all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord
your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice,
and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him…” (Deut. 13:3-4)
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” (2 Corin. 13:5)
“Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” (Psalms 26:2)
The Savior is not a silent observer of our trials, and we have access to his help. None of the trials we face are beyond our ability to endure. Our capacity to handle pain and trials will increase, if we have developed a close relationship with the Savior and seek his help. Pain allows a spirit of humility to enter our hearts, drawing many who suffer much closer to the Lord. We can endure all things through him who strengthens us and will even send angels, both seen and unseen, to comfort us.
Hearts are either softened or hardened by life’s challenges. Those who turn away from God and harden their hearts by choosing to hold on to their anger and bitterness, rather than forgive, will resist life’s difficult experiences and reject those lessons they could have learned. Those with softer hearts understand and accept God’s plan and are much more receptive to learning the intended, meaningful lessons from each trial.
Everyone plays the role of both teacher and student every day, as we
teach and learn from one another. Countless people are placed along our
path, because we are to learn from and acquire their good qualities,
and they are to learn from and acquire our good qualities. When
experiencing a difficult trial, ask yourself, “What is the lesson I need
to learn from this experience?” Those who pause to look for the
lessons within their trials can more easily avoid the feelings of road
rage along the path of life.
Be careful not to resent the very experiences that help us become more like Christ. Our trials are meant to help us stretch and grow from our challenges, so that we acquire the attributes, especially charity, which are necessary to refine our hearts. The refiner’s fire of adversity melts away the unimportant things in our lives, purging our hearts of selfishness and pride. Trials purify our hearts and expand our souls as we become more acquainted with God.
No pain that we suffer or trial that we experience is wasted, if it helps us develop those qualities—humility, faith, courage, strength, love, patience, kindness, compassion, tenderness, understanding, tolerance, forgiveness, and charity—which we need to become more like Christ and worthy to be called the children of God. (Orson F. Whitney)
The Apostle Paul, a man who had been beaten, stoned, shipwrecked and imprisoned, taught us to look at trials from an eternal perspective.
“For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things
which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are
eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:17-18)
When we see ourselves and all others through the loving eyes of the Savior, we will be counted worthy to return to live forever with our worthy family members, the Savior, and our heavenly parents in their peaceful home. Nothing is going to startle us more than when we return to the spirit world and realize how well we know our heavenly Father and how familiar his face is to us. We already know and love the God we pray to—our heavenly Father.
Blessings After Trials
Many blessings, remarkable events, and
tremendous growth have been preceded by great trials and suffering—
Mothers. Mothers know that the challenges of labor precede the miracle of birth.
Moses. After Moses was separated from his Israelite mother to save his life, he was adopted as an infant and raised by an Egyptian woman—the daughter of Pharoah. When he was grown, Moses went into hiding after killing an Egyptian. Then, drawing upon his knowledge of Egyptian culture, learning, and Pharoah’s court, he returned to Pharoah to demand freedom for the Israelites. He became one of the greatest prophets in all scripture, including the prophet who performed the most miracles in the Old Testament. (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; Acts 7:20-37)
Moses. After Moses was separated from his Israelite mother to save his life, he was adopted as an infant and raised by an Egyptian woman—the daughter of Pharoah. When he was grown, Moses went into hiding after killing an Egyptian. Then, drawing upon his knowledge of Egyptian culture, learning, and Pharoah’s court, he returned to Pharoah to demand freedom for the Israelites. He became one of the greatest prophets in all scripture, including the prophet who performed the most miracles in the Old Testament. (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; Acts 7:20-37)
Twleve Tribes of Israel. The
children of Israel were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharoah’s army
just before the waters parted to allow their escape. (Exodus 14)
Joseph of Egypt. After Joseph’s
brothers sold him into slavery, he showed faith, love and forgiveness
by not holding a grudge against his brothers. After many years of
mistreatment, bondage and imprisonment, while remaining faithful to God,
Joseph was instrumental in saving and influencing the lives of
countless others. (Genesis 37-47)
Jonah. After Jonah suffered three horrific days of confinement in the belly of a great fish, he repented, obeyed God, and changed the lives of all who lived in the wicked, violent city of Ninevah, saving them from destruction. (Jonah; Nahum 3)
Jesus Christ. One person suffered and endured the greatest trials of all time. After Christ suffered the pain of Gethsemane, he opened the door of heaven for all who would follow him. After Christ suffered the crucifixion, he was the first to be resurrected; and his victory over death gave the same blessing to all mankind. (The New Testament)
Jonah. After Jonah suffered three horrific days of confinement in the belly of a great fish, he repented, obeyed God, and changed the lives of all who lived in the wicked, violent city of Ninevah, saving them from destruction. (Jonah; Nahum 3)
Jesus Christ. One person suffered and endured the greatest trials of all time. After Christ suffered the pain of Gethsemane, he opened the door of heaven for all who would follow him. After Christ suffered the crucifixion, he was the first to be resurrected; and his victory over death gave the same blessing to all mankind. (The New Testament)
Americans. After countless American deaths in wars, today America enjoys friendly relations with the British after the Revolutionary War; and Germany after they compelled the U.S. to enter two World Wars; and Japan after they attacked Pearl Harbor. America sent millions of dollars to its former enemies to help rebuild Europe and Japan after WWII. Without reconciliation with our enemies, the entire world would perish in the vicious circle of hatred. What other individuals or groups of people need to forgive past injustices, and move on? (American History)