"Nevertheless, Jacob, my first born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain." (2 Nephi 2:2).
It is interesting that almost this same language is used in D&C 121 when Joseph Smith was suffering in liberty jail. There the Lord said in response to his pleas,
"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well God shall exalt thee on high..." (D&C 2127-8)
In both Jacob and Joseph Smith's examples they grew closer to the Lord through their "afflictions." In both cases the Lord chose them in the "furnace of affliction." (1 Nephi 20:10)
Lehi then goes on to teach another important principle in this chapter which if understood helps bring comfort in times of afflictions,
"But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things." (2 Nephi 2:24)
Understanding these scriptures may not make afflictions easier, but they will help us to understand why we have them and how we should respond. Is it any wonder then, that Jacob, who had so many afflictions, and actually learned from them went on to write one of the most profound discourses on the atonement of Christ (2 Nephi 9)? Or, that Joseph Smith, the great prophet of the restoration, came out of his experience more compassionate and closer to his Father in Heaven?
It is not....
The Lord gives us challenges and "afflictions" because he loves us, and because he "knoweth all things," including what we need and when we need it. It is my hope and prayer as our family has afflictions and challenges that we can face them in such a way that the Lord will consecrate them for our gain; and that we can grow from them instead of letting them slow us down. Then we, like Joseph and Jacob, having passed through the furnace of affliction can go on to accomplish great things!
5 comments:
Profound thoughts. I think it's always a second witness of the truth of scripture when you can cross-reference to another book of scripture like you did.
Above comment was actually from Jay - but I'm sure Sally would agree.
So this one really is from Sally...I don't think that we can reach our full spiritual potential unless and until we have to go through the fiery furnace of affliction. As hard as it in to see it as a blessing in the midst of the trial, we can almost always look back and see measurable growth because of the challenges we overcame.
Sometimes it is hard to remember why we are going through trials when we are actually experiencing them, but, looking back, it is easy to see how we were strengthened from each of the challenges in our life. Without great trials, we cannot receive great faith.
By the by, Eagle Stake Primary is really Allison.
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