2 Nephi 2:2

[pam]

Reference Search: 2 Nephi 2:2

2 Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.

Quotes for Discussion

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “We knew before we were born that we were coming to the earth for bodies and experience and that we would have joys and sorrows, ease and pain, comforts and hardships, health and sickness, successes and disappointments, and we knew also that after a period of life we would die. We accepted all these eventualities with a glad heart, eager to accept both the favorable and unfavorable. We eagerly accepted the chance to come earthward even though it might be for only a day or a year. Perhaps we were not so much concerned whether we should die of disease, of accident, or of senility. We were willing to take life as it came and as we might organize and control it, and this without murmur, complaint, or unreasonable demands.”

Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 106

If we can bear our afflictions with the understanding, faith, and courage,…we shall be strengthened and comforted in many ways. We shall be spared the torment which accompanies the mistaken idea that all suffering comes as chastisement for transgression….

…I have seen the remorse and despair in the lives of men who, in the hour of trial, have cursed God and died spiritually. And I have seen people rise to great heights from what seemed to be unbearable burdens.

Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Oct. 1969, pp. 59-60

At various times in our lives, probably at repeated times in our lives, we do have to acknowledge that God knows what we do not know and sees what we do not see. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).

If you have troubles at home with children who stray, if you suffer financial reverses and emotional strain that threaten your homes and your happiness, if you must face the loss of life or health, may peace be unto your soul. We will not be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. Our detours and disappointments are the straight and narrow path to Him, as we sing in one of our favorite hymns:

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

(“How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns [1985], no. 85)

Howard W. Hunter, in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, p. 71; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, p.60

A Staircase of Tribulation

Several years ago it was my privilege to serve in a branch presidency at the Missionary Training Center. As part of this calling I frequently attended the general devotional services along with members of the branch. On one occasion, Elder Richard G. Scott was the scheduled speaker. He invited questions from the audience, which consisted of several thousand aspiring missionaries. One young elder seated not far from me rose to the nearest microphone and asked the Apostle what to do when one came upon walls in life that seemed to act as barriers to progress. I shall never forget Elder Scott’s thoughtful response. He said, in effect, that walls, when viewed from the right perspective, are not walls at all, but the vertical part of a step upward. Thus what might at first glance seem to be a barrier can turn out to be an opportunity for advancement. What positive and inspiring counsel!

Ed J. Pinegar & Richard J. Allen, Teachings & Commentaries on Book of Mormon, p. 85