Faith in Times of Trial

Sunday our Relief Society lesson was on Faith in Times of Trial and Adversity.  The bad news is that trials and adversity are a necessary part of our progression.  Andrew writes a little about it in his blog. 

Our instructor team, Sisters Arriaga and Beutler, handed out note cards with some of life's challenges and asked us to share words of encouragement, counsel and faith to sisters (brothers too) facing these challenges.  Here are the results:

Here is feedback given by us (Perkins Ward Sisters) collected from the topic cards that were distributed during our April 14^th lesson.  This feedback is just to share some ideas that may be of some support as we walk through our experiences in this life. 

Diagnosis of a life-changing disease = “Sometimes it does seem that life just isn’t fair, from our perspective.  Our Heavenly Father does love you.  He knows your trials and he knows your pain.  Somehow it will be for your good.  I heard once – and I cling to it – that the day will come that all who have suffered will say everything is right and just.  All that is unfair in life will be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  In the meantime let your sisters (and brothers) support & help you.  You will lift them with your testimony.”

Pregnancy – difficult = “Hang in there.  You can do this!  To get through the hardest parts, just imagine this little person you carry and all the wonderful things you will get to watch him/her to through all the growing up milestones, all the smiles, steps, all the good you will be so blessed to share in.  Heavenly Father loves you & is so proud of your choice to be a mom.  All in all, the pregnancy will be just a blip on the timeline of your life.  Love the good, pray through the rough & count this child as a blessing.”

Parenting teenager(s) = “First of all, talk to them but really ask them questions so they share with you.  Have meals together – something they will count on.  Text them words of love.  Send a letter of them.  Get some direction from Him.  Remember they are learning.  Talk, listen, talk, listen, talk, listen.”

Underemployment = “Pray & faithful – study – fast.  Speak with Bishop & get recommend to go the LDS employment.  Update resume.  Learn how to network.  Learn to search internet for opportunities.  Update skills (i.e., Park & Rec classes – inexpensive and convenient).  Ask friends to help you find work.  Follow inspiration.”

Work environment – negative atmosphere = “Smile, Pray, Say something positive, have positive things around you, or a happy file/uplifting.”

Financial set-back = “Try to determine the cause – unemployment, illness, etc.  What can we do to alleviate the cause?  Job counseling.  Church employment services, education, etc.  Encourage the person to talk to the Bishop to get help.  Be willing to listen and not judge.  Pray with them.  Keep confidences if asked.”

Career change = “Trust God for a positive move – to help with the challenges of learning something new.”

Spouse relationships = “(Drawn triangle.  The vertices were labeled “Heavenly Father”, “Husband”, and “Wife” with Heavenly Father on the top vertex.  The closer each spouse gets/draws to Him, the closer they can be to each other.  Just working on the bottom line (two vertices “Husband” & “Wife”) is not enough for a strong eternal marriage.  Difficulties arise as a part of life.  When we choose to face them together as a couple, life, love & challenges all improve.  Even difficulties between spouses can be faced together.  If you are not able to work with your spouse, it is your responsibility to get there.  IT is MORE IMPORTANT TO BE MARRIED THAN IT IS TO BE RIGHT.  Feel it when you say, “I love you.”  LIFE IS NOT PERFET, BUT YOU CAN BE PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER & GROW TOGETHER.”

Child’s career difficulty = “I don’t have a child old enough for a career, so I will speak from personal experience . . . Listen – don’t criticize – don’t offer advice unless the child asks for it.  PRAY.  Pray that your child will be given strength and inspiration on how to overcome these challenges.  Go to the scriptures.  Give support where you can, whether it’s financial, physical, emotional or spiritual.”

Family history of addiction = “Encourage those to take advantage of ARP.  Perhaps set up a call with Jim Brazell-Born, so he can offer his success story.”

New Job  = “Be thankful to have skills to get a job.”

Needed home repairs ($/how to) = “1st think, you need to see what you wanted to do.  How much you want to pay out.  What colors & rooms – to do 1^st.  Have fun doing it.  Get family & friends to come help.  Do things little 1^st, then start looking what’s next.”

Your child’s struggle at school = “Take this problem to the Lord – and ask Him to have understanding from your child’s viewpoint, those involved at school with the struggle to understand their viewpoint, and to know how to help your child work through the struggle.  The Lord sees all sides of the struggle & can guide you so that the struggle will be resolved keeping confidence of your child, the relationships involved will be kept intact, and a positive outcome will occur. (smile)”

Building relationships after a move = “Bloom where you are planted!  The gospel is a universal binder.  Be friendly and expect the best.  Offer to be of service.  Attend R.S.  Meet people – put yourself out!”

Child’s marriage difficulty = “Remember: There will be problems in a marriage.  Everyone has a different view.  During your trials, try to remember that this will pass, whoever or child decided to marry.  We need to love their spouse as well.  And to continue to be the good person, you are meant to be.  Continue your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Hand your trouble on to Him.”