The Education I Came Here to Acquire

My friends and I studied this talk by Paul V. Johnson yesterday at General Conference Book Club.  GCBC has been such a blessing to me.  I always feel fed spiritually when we meet, and the wisdom and love that I receive from the other women in our group is really an important part of my week...quickly becoming an important part of my life.  


Elder Johnson's talk seemed "laser-pointed" to me and my recent experiences and trials.  Here are some quotes from the talk that jumped out at me:

"These trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature. ³ If we handle these afflictions properly, they will be consecrated for our gain. ⁴

Elder Orson F. Whitney said: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. … All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.”

"Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses. And no one is exempt, especially not Saints striving to do what’s right."

"The furnace of affliction helps purify even the very best of Saints by burning away the dross in their lives and leaving behind pure gold. ⁶ Even very rich ore needs refining to remove impurities. Being good is not enough. We want to become like the Savior, who learned as He suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.” 

We don’t seek out tests, trials, and tribulations. Our personal journey through life will provide just the right amount for our needs. Many trials are just a natural part of our mortal existence, but they play such an important role in our progress.

Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.

Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. 

Our Heavenly Father loves us, and we “know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” ¹⁸ Someday when we get to the other side of the veil, we want more than for someone just to tell us, “Well, you’re done.” Instead, we want the Lord to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

I am guest blogging over at Or So She Says today...We're slaying DRAGONS!