Enduring Well

A worthwhile attitude for all of us could well be, “Help us, O Lord, to remember thy love for us and help us to be fortified by thy strength when our eyes are blurred with tears of sorrow and our vision is limited.”

It is expedient for all of us, particularly those who may be weighed down by grief because of acts of misconduct or misfortune, to recall that even the Prophet Joseph Smith had hours of despair because of his very trying experiences in the Liberty Jail. Perhaps he too was entitled to question, “What did I do wrong? What have I done to displease Thee, O Lord? Where have I failed? Why are the answers to my prayers and pleas withheld?” In response to the feelings of his heart and mind he cried out:

“O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?” (D&C 121:1.)

The reassuring response came:

“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; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.” (D&C 121:7–8.)

The promise God gave to Joseph Smith is a promise for all of us: “If thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes,” and also over heartaches caused by misconduct of loved ones.

 

Marvin J. Ashton, “‘If Thou Endure It Well’,” Ensign, Nov 1984, 20

When I was struggling in my life before I started to come to Christ, I couldn't endure life well. I could only endure the Hell I was in. My eyes were blurred with my tears of sorrow, and self-pity. Even when the Lord offered His strength I couldn't accept that.

Now in my recovery on my journey home to Him. It is helpful and truly necessary for me to remember these times, these feelings, so that I can be motivated to relieing on the Lord.

When it comes to enduring my current hardships, it doesn't seem like enduring, it is more like learning. I feel safe, and I feel like I can't be hurt. Not that I feel like indestructible, but like I'm safely in His arms. I feel courage to do the things that are in front of me.

I'm still human and I get sacred, and I stumble (a lot). That's okay. I'm fallible, and that is how I learn. Meanwhile, Christ keeps me safe to make mistakes. I'm like a little baby learning to walk. I'm shaky, unsteady, and it's one baby step at a time, of course I fall down. Slowly and surely I will keep trying until I get it. Like any good parent, I know He is there holding me steady and picking me up when I fall.