Suffering — finding strength and even joy during times of hardship and suffering
Elder Anthony D. Perkins
. 1. Physical suffering, causes of physical suffering:
. a. Natural aging
. b. Expected or unexpected diseases
. c. Random accidents
. d. Hunger or homelessness
. e. Abuse in many forms
. f. Violent acts
. g. War
. 2. Emotional suffering, causes of emotional suffering:
. a. Anxiety or depression
. b. Betrayal by a spouse, parent, or trusted leader
. c. Employment or financial reversals
. d. Unfair judgement by others
. e. Poor or inappropriate choices of friends, children, or other family members
. f. Abuse in many forms
. g. Unfulfilled dreams of marriage or children
. h. Severe illness or early deaths of loved ones
. 3. Four principles of hope as we endure suffering in our lives:
. a. Suffering does not mean God is displeased with your life
. • John 9:1-3 (man born blind), Moses 1:39 (my work and my glory), Isaiah 48:10 (furnace of affliction), Revelation 7:13-17 (wipe away your tears)
. b. Heavenly Father is intimately aware of your suffering
. • Doctrine and Covenants 121:1-8 (know this, my son,…experience..endure it well)
. c. Jesus offers His enabling power to help you have strength to endure your suffering well
. • Alma 7:11-13 (The Lord knows how to succor his people), Mosiah 24:13-15 (they could bear their burdens with ease), temple worship lifts us
. d. You can CHOOSE to find joy every day
. • James 1:2-4 (the trying of your faith worketh patience), Mosiah 14:4 (He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows)
. 4. Keeping our covenants unlocks the power of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, providing strength and even joy to those who suffer!
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