Triumph

I attended a meeting recently where Dave Jennings, trusted advisor to leaders around the world, gave ideas about how to crawl out of the depression of losing a job. Studies show that those successfully overcoming that devastating blow have the following characteristics in common:

• Purpose
• Continued learning
• Social connection

In many cases, it's the same things that help you make it through life's challenges. The Lord can take difficulties in our lives and make them blossom as the rose. Keeping the commandments, doing our part, and showing faith in Jesus Christ enables him to work miracles in our behalf.

Some folks say they don't see miracles anymore in our day.

I say we see them all around us. If we just recognize them for what they are, we see the arm of the Lord revealed daily in our lives. Remember when the Provo tabernacle burned down? That was tragic. I attended many meetings at that remarkable, well-loved building. It was part of our heritage. One couldn't help but notice the inspiring architecture, pioneer craftsmanship, and the innumerable intricacies abundant in that edifice. Following the four-alarm fire, the newspapers reported "tragedy, shock, devasation, and loss" when describing the damage that "(left) that iconic building a blackened ruin." Many mourned the tragic loss. Some wept. Others just looked on in disbelief. And then President Monson made an announcement at conference that this building would become a temple.

I remember the occasion well. We had actually gone to Salt Lake to attend that particular general conference. Their was an audible gasp in the Conference Center when the saints realized the Lord would take this apparent tragedy and turn it into something beautiful. I have felt the same emotion when I learned about His handiwork bringing people together, solving a problem, strengthening a friend, or comforting the downtrodden. Some of the finest people I know have been lifted amid struggles, and when this happens to people we hold dear, we see God's hand in the miracle. Hardships face us every day. Challenges overwhelm us. And fear immobilizes us. But despite these obstacles, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ especially amid hardship enables us to endure to the end and gives Him an opportunity to turn difficult situations into beautiful resolutions.

Understanding our Father in Heaven allows us to face fear with faith. Faith in the Lord can turn tragedy into triumph.

A favorite poem of mine seems fitting here: The Touch of the Masters Hand

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

One family's trial becomes a shared blessing for many who serve, love, and bear each other's burdens in the video below.