This past week, we here in Utah celebrated the 24th of July. This holiday is celebrated in commemoration of those pioneers who crossed the plains in wagons and handcarts, often giving all that they have in order to follow their faith. Today, as members of the Church, we have inherited that pioneer legacy. Even those members of the Church who dwell far from Utah, from the beaches of California to the skyscrapers of New York to the distant countries of Taiwan or Russia, have those pioneers to thank. Without them, the Church surely would not be where it is today.
That legacy of faith and trials does not end with the pioneers, however. Even today, we face many challenges and difficulties. For many of us, these may be in the same vein as those faced by the pioneers - physical or financial hardships. Others of us, however, have other troubles. Finding peace amidst the chaos of today’s world, or keeping an enduring faith in God when it seems that He isn’t immediately answering our prayers or delivering us from sorrow.
Why do we have such troubles? Why doesn’t God help us to escape from these problems? After all, aren’t we His faithful servants?
One thing that I have learned as I have served as a missionary is that trials are the quickest and most powerful way to grow. It is only after gold is refined and cleansed from impurities that it becomes beautiful. This life has trials often for that very purpose - as we learn how to endure or overcome hardships, that is when we develop our faith or our character. That is how we are able to learn to lean upon Christ, and share our yoke with Him.
Relish your trials, and savor the lessons that you learn from them. As we look upon the cup we are given in a spirit of gladness and hope rather than despair, then we will be able to feel the same peace and joy that kept those pioneers singing hymns of praise as they pulled their carts across the endless plains, leaving behind the old for something new and better.