God Comforts Us in Tribulation

How Paul and Timothy were able avoid despair despite everything...

1.  They know Christ has been there too. "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."   {2 Corinthians 1:3-5}
2. God loves us and wants us to grow through our experiences. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth...If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons." {Hebrews 12: 6-7}
3. Eternal perspective! Faith in Christ is even more powerful than even death.  "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." {2 Corinthians 4:5-17}

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I think when times are the hardest, I recognize how insufficient I am on my own. I turn for help, go on my knees, and have the most sincere conversations with my Heavenly Father. It's all about the opportunities these trials give us to strengthen that relationship with Heavenly Father that we normally wouldn't have had. 

From the video:
"It's our spiritual nature, though, to turn to our God, that gave us life and has given us this mortal experience - to turn to him and either thank him for the happy times or pray for his help during the hard times."

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Jeffrey R. Holland: 
"When suffering, we may in fact be nearer to God than we’ve ever been in our entire lives. That knowledge can turn every such situation into a would-be temple...
Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised, “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88). That is an everlasting declaration of God’s love and care for us, including—and perhaps especially—in times of trouble."

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Joseph Smith and Paul

The first president of our church, Joseph Smith, found strength in Paul's testimony and ultimately died for his convictions just as Paul. They both were was persecuted relentlessly for leading the Church. In order to cope with their hardships, they both had to have their eyes set beyond  this life. They both understood that this life was meant to be difficult and enduring hardships now is worth the triumphant bigger picture in the end.

Joseph Smith said:

"And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me... But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it." {D&C 127:2}

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Grace & Trials: 

Grace gives us strength where we are weak and cannot carry on our own. Grace is enabling power. Wow. Grace doesn't only make up for our mistakes, but in any difficulty, our Savior has already paid the price. We can cast any burden on the Lord and he will give us rest. 

The Bible Dictionary states that "through the grace of the Lord... through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, [we] receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.

So because of our trials, we become strong through the grace of God. Paul said, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." {2 Corinthians 12:7-10}

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Burdens can become lighter                                                    

In the Book of Mormon, the people of Alma were put to death for praying. They were under horrible circumstances and they asked the Lord for help. He didn't take away their problems, but they made their burdens seem light. {Mosiah 24: 13-15}

Our burdens becoming light. They may not disappear, but they become manageable through the grace of our Savior. How do my burdens become light?

It happens when look outward instead of inward and serve others. It happens when I turn on an uplifting General Conference Talk. It happens in the middle of sacrament meeting and somebody's testimony strikes me to the core. It happens when the Spirit whispers to me that this Gospel is true. It happens when a friend drops off a plate of cookies, or dinner. My burdens have become lighter because I am surrounded by wonderful, supportive people that don't even know it.