Often times in this world we seem to sorrow over everything. While I am at school many people will complain that life is too difficult and that basically life just stinks. I admit that occasionally I get stuck in this same trap. However, we don't really have it that bad and if we turn to the Savior then we can become stronger and life will seem a lot better, no matter our circumstances.
In the New Testament we have many records from Paul and we get to see his thinking as he goes through trials. In 2 Corinthians it is brought to our attention that Paul and Timothy are going through a very difficult time in their lives. They are being persecuted and many would be found in despair if they were in their places. However, they both know that the Lord loves them. They receive comfort and know that the Lord will be their light. They even point out that sometimes God must chasten us and give us trials otherwise we will not grow. They are grateful for the opportunity to grow.
In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 we are given some great words of comfort. After reading these words we feel as if we can handle our own tribulations. There is much more than this life. In the expanse of eternity this life is just a pinprick. We are not stuck, the tribulation will end even if it lasts our entire life. Verse 18 also tells us that it is not the physical things that matter, but the spiritual. Our bodies may be beaten and tormented, but when we reach heaven the Lord will look at the things we cannot see, He will look at our spirits and what we have become. This is how we will be judged so this is how we should grow. If we can make it through tribulation and still realize that God loves us then life will be much better now and in the hereafter.
After reading about Paul's experiences I can find a few things that are similar between him and Joseph Smith. Both men were persecuted heavily and both turned to the Lord. They were both strengthened and realized that this life is not everything, it is just a short time. They end up glorying in tribulation. They have both undergone unimaginable cruelty, but they both come out conqueror. They know what the goal is and why they should come out conqueror so they do.
Both Paul and Joseph's strength came out of what Paul would call the grace of Christ. This is the power by which Christ helps us overcome our weaknesses. As fallen mortals we make mistakes.We mess up and we have no way to redeem ourselves. Because we have messed up we cannot save ourselves. We need an advocate. Christ is that advocate. He takes everything that we have messed up on or had troubles with and makes it better so that we will be able to have eternal life if we so desire after this life. Christ's grace saves us and makes us stronger. If we know that Christ has made this sacrifice so that we can return to our Heavenly Father we won't want to waste his sacrifice and we will do all we can to make the sacrifice well worth it. Grace is a saving power. It can strengthen us and help us move forward.
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 we are told that Paul has a weakness, what he terms as "a thorn in the flesh". We do not know what this weakness is, but we know that it really bugs Paul and that he tries to get rid of it and prays to have it taken from him multiple times. The weakness is not taken from him, but he is told, "my grace is sufficient for thee." He knows that the Lord will be there to help save him from his weakness. He is made strong in his faith and hope in Christ. His weakness is not taken away and it doesn't even seem as if he is strengthened upon his weakness, but rather his character is strengthened so that he can move past the weakness. This is the miracle of the grace of Christ.The same thing was done for the people in Mosiah. Their burdens were not taken away, but they received strength to carry them. In my own life I can use this principle when there seems there is no way out. Perhaps there is no way I can get rid of my weakness, but I can become stronger in areas such as faith that help me move past the weakness. A weakness does not have to consume me. I am not subject to my "thorn in the flesh". Instead, I have a loving Savior who offers me his grace and will help me learn from my weakness and be able to lift my burdens easier. They will be made light through my strength.
We are so blessed to have a loving Savior who was willing to fulfill his part of the Plan of Salvation. It is now our turn to fulfill our part and take advantage of his sacrifice. Never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.
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