Adveristy.

After Abraham had patiently endured, he obtained the promise, Heb. 6:15

All thrones and dominions shall be set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ, D&C 121:29

Adversity is one of the hardest parts about this earth life. We strive as hard as we can to live a "normal easy life" like everyone else...but what does that even mean? Trials and adversity are here for our own good. They provide character. They establish patience and endurance. They mold us into becoming more Christlike, which is our ultimate goal. Its hard to see all this while going through them though.

It seems like every time there is something really good and really powerful about to occur in life, there is always a lot of opposition leading up to it. Just like when people decide to get baptized. Opposition comes, and adversity strikes, to try and steer those away from making the best decision to change their life forever; to create a whole new generation of members in the church. Some fail to recognize this and fall deep into despair. They cant pick themselves back up and they walk way, because its just too hard. Often times this also happens when those prepare to enter the temple. Same things happens. Why? Because the adversary doesnt want more righteous and valiant saints. He doesnt want us to be strong and everlasting. He doesnt want us to serve in the right church and come closer to God and eternal salvation. He doesnt want us to become so enrapt in helping others and leading others to do the same- to follow Christ. So he tries in every way possible to break that. To create reasonable and believable ideas in our minds that, it just cant be right, or making us feel inadequate, or make us doubt our decision after we already prayed and received an answer, create anger and frustration inside of us over any little thing to make us want to give up hope. Thats his plan. Thats his goal. He has been studying us for thousands of years and knows all of our weaknesses...and thats his target. Hit us where it hurts. Where we really can hardly hold on anymore.

The wonderful most beautiful blessing in all of this is, there is way out. The Savior. He suffered for us to help us get through this mortal existence. He can provide the strength that we need. He can help us get through those moments. He places people (or in my words-angels) in our lives to help us when we struggle or when we dont even recognize it in ourselves. We arent meant to walk alone. We arent meant to BE alone. Thats what we have the Savior for. Thats what we have people-friends family and wards-for. From the wonderful words of Elder Jeffery R. Holland, my favorite apostle, "Beware the Tempation to retreat from a good thing (or a bad thing). If it was right when you prayed about it (or wrong) and trusted in it, it is right now." Be strong. Know that the Lord is on your side and WANTS you to be happy. Satan wants you to be miserable and steer far away from GOOD. Remember who is on your side. Follow your gut...and your heart. It will always lead you back to where you belong. If we endure the temptation..if we stick the path we know we should be on...we will be able to have exaltation with God. What is better than that?