“(Look) to Jesus Christ, who stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, forgive, cleanse, strengthen, purify, and sanctify us.” -Russell M. Nelson

The other day I was reading in my journal and I found this entry. I am thankful I recorded it, because some of our hard times are easily forgotten. As I read it I cried all over again, to realize that all things eventually pass, and that we grow from our trials. I have decided to share it with you today, to give encouragement  to others. If you are dealing with a situation that feels overwhelming and suffocating, let the Lord be your Savior, allow him to lift and strengthen you so that your burdens may be light upon your shoulders. 

Alma 58:10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength

February 13, 

We have really been hit hard with trials lately, maybe not as hard as some, and for that I am thankful. I am even thankful for the trials that we have been hit with, for trials keep us close to the Lord. They help us see His tender mercies everyday. They help us remember the Lord. They help us test the scriptures and find that the lessons of faith are not figurative but true. After quite a few difficult trials (combined with financial and physical) we got hit with another whopper, a situation completely out of our control and nothing we could do.

I truly haven’t see Mark so broken in my whole life. In fact, at first finding out about it he was almost unable to function. He was pale white and just needed to talk. I think he felt that this would completely ruin him and he wouldn’t be able to recover. After discussing several options I thought he felt better. That night I was with the kids and I looked at him and could see the despair, I asked him if he was okay? He answered “No”! It was the first time in our 22 years of marriage that I could remember Mark answering NO. I stared to cry. I cried for Mark! I cried for all of us, because Mark is our rock. As I prayed for him I thought about the Nephites when they were in bondage and suffering beyond what they felt they could handle. They prayed for help from the Lord. Their prayers were answered, maybe not in the way they had hoped. They were still in bondage, but the Lord strengthened them so that they could carry their weight with ease! 

I expressed this to Mark, that he needed to pray to the Lord, and that the Lord may not miraculously change the new law, but he would strengthen Mark and lighten the load so that Mark could carry it with ease. Mark prayed and pleaded for help. Guess what? The Lord answered his prayers, and helped Mark look at the situation differently. All the sudden instead of despair he had hope! Instead of “all is lost” he said “I have been through difficult times before and I will get through this.” We saw physical help as well, sales increased and customers were understanding. 

We realized that sometimes, if not often, the Lord helps us with changing our perspective and ultimately changing our attitudes. It’s amazing what a changed attitude does to how a situation looks. We also realized that during difficult times it’s easier to recognize the Lord’s hand in our daily lives. It is easy to give ourselves credit during easy times. When times are impossible, and some how the bills are still paid, employees are still paid, you can’t help but to notice the Lord’s daily help and love. 

Mosiah 24:15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

-Sherri Jorgensen