Our Adversity and Jesus Christ

"Our needed conversions are often achieved more readily 

by suffering and adversity 

than by comfort and tranquillity, 

as Elder Hales taught us so beautifully...

Father Lehi promised his son Jacob 

that God would

 “consecrate [his] afflictions for [his] gain”*

 (2 Ne. 2:2) 

Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, 

thou knowest the greatness of God; 

and he shall consecrate thine afflictions 

for thy gain.

2 Nephi 2:2

"The Prophet Joseph was promised that 

“thine adversity and thine afflictions 

shall be but a small moment; and then, 

if thou endure it well, 

God shall exalt thee on high”* 

My son, peace be unto thy soul; 

thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

And then, 

if thou endure it well, 

God shall exalt thee on high; 

thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8

"Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call 

“the furnace of affliction” *

Behold, I have refined thee, 

but not with silver; 

I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

Isaiah 48:10

For, behold, 

I have refined thee, 

I have chosen thee 

in the furnace of affliction.

1 Nephi 20:10

Charity is Christ-like love.

Through adversity, can come charity.

Charity suffereth long......

Beareth all things, 

believeth all things, 

hopeth all things, 

endureth all things.

1 Corinthians 13

"Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. 

Others suffer the death of a loved one
or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal 

like marriage or childbearing. 

Still others struggle with personal impairments 

or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or depression. 

Through the justice and mercy of a 

loving Father in Heaven, 

the refinement and sanctification 

possible through such experiences 

can help us achieve 

what God desires us to become.*

"We must not give up hope. 

We must not stop striving. 

We are children of God, 

and it is possible for us to become 

what our Heavenly Father 

would have us become."*

...for I do know 

that whosoever shall put their 

^atrust in God shall be supported in their 

^btrials, and their troubles, 

and their afflictions, 

and shall be ^clifted up at the last day.

Alma 36:3

*Taken from the talk 

"The Challenge to Become"

By Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles