Trials

Carbon is the fourth most common element in the universe after hydrogen, helium and oxygen.  It is abundant in our sun, stars, and in the atmosphere of most planets.   Our bodies are composed partly of carbon (about 18% of our mass).  The one thing I can still remember from biology class is the acronym CHNOPS.  (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorous and Sulfur make up about 98% of our bodies).  Because carbon bonds easily with other molecules it forms the chemical basis of all known life on earth.

Carbon occurs in different forms depending upon the arrangement of the carbon molecules.  Consider for a moment two different forms of carbon—diamonds and coal.

Both diamonds and coal are formed from the same element, carbon.  One is rare and very valuable.  The other ordinary and commonplace.  Diamonds are only formed by the combination of just the right amount of heat, pressure and time. 

Trials help provide the same conditions for us.  They are a necessary part of putting off the natural man (coal) and becoming a saint (diamond).  Yet some allow their trials to cause them to question God’s justice or his love and mercy.  To their limited view, life is just not fair.  Rather than turning to god in their affliction and receiving strength, support and comfort from Him, they turn away from Him.  


A great example of this is in Alma 62:41 where some are hardened because of their afflictions and some are softened and humble themselves.  It is interesting that Laman, Lemuel, Sam and Nephi went through roughly the same experiences (leaving their home, travel in the wilderness, etc.) but these same experiences produced very different results in their lives based upon their responses to them and their faith.  Likewise, our trials can be a great blessing to us or a great hindrance depending upon our choices and actions.

Sometimes this is seen in marriage as well.  Under stress marriage partners can chose to turn TO each other for comfort, support, etc. or they can choose to turn ON each other in a spirit of blame, criticism and fault finding.  In one instance the marriage is strengthened by the challenges and in the other it is weakened or destroyed.  This becomes more difficult when one or both of the parties are partially or fully to blame for the problem.

I used to have a statement by Brigham Young.  I cannot find it and so will paraphrase, but it basically stated that if we could see things as they really are we would recognize our trials to be among the greatest blessings the Lord can give us.

“I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted…Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.  Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.  For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.” (D&C 101:2-5)