So, this week I had a little more time to study independently (and unlike other weeks, I remembered to bring my notes to the library) so today, my blog post is going to be mostly on how to answer the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
Many people have asked this question, and many people have used it as grounds to disprove that there is a God. Don't let yourself get caught in that trap. God is real, he loves you! If you don't know it now, seek him out and I promise you will find him.
In my studies, I have found a few scriptures that helped prove this in my mind. In Joseph Smith's adversity he was comforted by these words from the Lord, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;" (D&C 121:7) and was later counseled, " 7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give the experience, and shall be for thy good.
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore,fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." (D&C 122:7-9)
This is a pretty remarkable promise. In some other scriptures, we learn about other examples of saints who have endured trials and have received divine gifts. In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul extols the goodness that has come through the saints in Macedonia, "1 Moreover, brethren, awe do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality." In Matthew we learn what happens when we endure for Christ's sake, " 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
While it can be very difficult sometimes to endure such hard trials and affliction, we are not alone when we endure. in Psalms 119:40-50 it reads, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction : for thy word hath quickened me. " In James 5:13 it reads, "Is any among you afflicted ? let him pray." In John 16:33 we get a specific warning and blessing directly from the mouth of the Savior, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace . In the world ye shall have tribulation : but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world." How much greater comfort can we receive than these words. Regardless of our trials and afflictions and tribulations, we are members in Christ. This is a part of the covenant that is made at baptism, that we will be called of Him and that if we endure well, that he will be our Advocate at the last day. When we follow him, we are able to enter into His rest after this life.
I think a good final thought comes from the Book of Mormon, in Jacob 3:1 we learn. "Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause..."
Many people have asked this question, and many people have used it as grounds to disprove that there is a God. Don't let yourself get caught in that trap. God is real, he loves you! If you don't know it now, seek him out and I promise you will find him.
In my studies, I have found a few scriptures that helped prove this in my mind. In Joseph Smith's adversity he was comforted by these words from the Lord, "My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;" (D&C 121:7) and was later counseled, " 7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give the experience, and shall be for thy good.
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore,fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." (D&C 122:7-9)
This is a pretty remarkable promise. In some other scriptures, we learn about other examples of saints who have endured trials and have received divine gifts. In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul extols the goodness that has come through the saints in Macedonia, "1 Moreover, brethren, awe do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality." In Matthew we learn what happens when we endure for Christ's sake, " 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
While it can be very difficult sometimes to endure such hard trials and affliction, we are not alone when we endure. in Psalms 119:40-50 it reads, "Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction : for thy word hath quickened me. " In James 5:13 it reads, "Is any among you afflicted ? let him pray." In John 16:33 we get a specific warning and blessing directly from the mouth of the Savior, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace . In the world ye shall have tribulation : but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world." How much greater comfort can we receive than these words. Regardless of our trials and afflictions and tribulations, we are members in Christ. This is a part of the covenant that is made at baptism, that we will be called of Him and that if we endure well, that he will be our Advocate at the last day. When we follow him, we are able to enter into His rest after this life.
I think a good final thought comes from the Book of Mormon, in Jacob 3:1 we learn. "Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause..."
If you are having a difficult time, pray to your Heavenly Father. He is there, he does listen, and he gives us what we need. If your in need of consolation, peace or comfort, seek the Lord. You will find what you're looking for. I know this because I experience it every day. Being a missionary is not easy. I have issues and anxieties that prevent me from being the best that I could be, and I know that only through the grace of God can I be strengthened to overcome. It is my hope and prayer that I will have enough faith to exercise the will of the Lord in all things because I am His representative. I love you all.
An Uncommon Elder,
Elder Ryan