Soap Box Sunday

Sometimes I feel like this. Well, to be honest, a lot of times. But, I have definitely felt that lately the Lord has been speaking to me, encouraging me, and helping me to have the faith to press forward into the unknown. The Apostle Paul said, "we see through a glass (mirror) darkly." We must remember that the Lord sees a perfectly clear picture in the glass of who we are, who we have the potential to become, and what our future has in store for us. He can guide us to the perfect outcome--perfect, maybe not in the way we each imagine, but in the way in which it will mold our character and cleanse our spirits.

This week's Gospel Doctrine lesson reminded me of some wonderful truths, and gave me the desire to apply these truths to my life more fully.

One of my favorite scriptures:

Ether 12:4

"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."

Yes, our belief in God really does help each of us to hope for a better world and hope for Eternal Life with Him. And that hope should be an anchor to us throughout our lives. I'd venture to say, especially during those times of trial and grief. That hope will get us through.

Ether 12:6

"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."

This scripture, I'm sure I've read hundreds of times, still hits home--in a variety of new and different ways as I go through life, experiencing this principle over and over again. Sometimes learning, sometimes falling behind. But, the times I have learned, are times I can now lean on--times I can recall during each new challenge. I can tell myself, "well, this is what I learned and accomplished at that time. If I follow that same pattern of learning, I will be able to succeed again." That is how we learn. That is how we increase our faith. That is what the Lord wants for us.

Great example from Elder Maxwell...in my opinion, the expert on submitting your will to the Father and overcoming adversity through faith:

"Adversity can increase faith or instead can cause the troubling roots of bitterness to spring up… One’s life, therefore, cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free… Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, “Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and full share Thy joy."

This really reminds me that all of the experiences I have in life are for my good--they are for my learning. What I take from them is up to me. Will I be bitter like Sidney Rigdon in Liberty Jail? Or will I come out on top like Joseph Smith? Where will my experiences take me spiritually?

C.S. Lewis answers this in a wonderful way:

"When a man turns to Christ and seems to be getting on pretty well (in the sense that some of his bad habits are now corrected), he often feels that it would now be natural if things went
fairly smoothly. When troubles come along- illnesses, money troubles, new kinds of temptation- he is disappointed. These things, he feels, might have been necessary to rouse him and make him repent in his bad old days; but why now? Because God is forcing him on up, to a higher level: putting him into situations where he will have to be very much braver, or more patient, or more loving, than he ever dreamed of before. It seems to us all unnecessary: but that is because we have not yet got the slightest notion of the tremendous thing He means to make of us."

I hope that I can have the faith to trust in the Lord whatever the circumstances. Focus on what is most important in life, and always follow the example of the Savior. It's not easy, that's for sure. But, I know that I am and will be continually a better disciple as I strive toward the potential the Lord sees in me.