Beliefs > Question & Answer > Faith

Question

In several parts, under the Three Questions of your Beliefs page, a nerve of mine was hit, bringing tears. What wonderful things to say! You mentioned that your beliefs help you through the experiences of "...suffering, pain, sorrow, etc...," so my question is, besides the answers from the three questions, what other areas of your religion have you turned to which helped you through hard times? How did you always know that you were "...achieving your potential..." even if you did not feel like you really were? How did the religion help if you tried every avenue to achieve in just small things and the road seemed blocked and the door seemed constantly locked? What was it in the Latter-day Saints religion that kept you glued to it?

Response

The following is certainly not an exhaustive list by any means, but they are topics that came to mind when reading your question on where to turn in times of distress and adversity: 1. Power of prayer Nothing, in my opinion, can replace the power of prayer. By knowing that our Heavenly Father can hear and understand our most inner feelings and frustrations, by knowing that He is omniscient (all knowing), that He comprehends what we are going through when no one seems to understand, this gives me an inner peace that can't readily be found elsewhere. Logically, who else would you turn to when asking for relief from pain and suffering, than someone who has already been through it before? 2. Atonement and gift of repentance When a mistake has been made and when internal suffering from a wrong act that's been committed is bothering you, a full understanding of what our Savior went through for us individually can relieve those most difficult times that seem unbearable. 3. Priesthood Blessings/Father's Blessing When I'm at the end of my rope and need that extra little bit of counsel and guidance from on high, I turn to a priesthood holder, either my home teacher, a member of the bishopric or my father, and through my faith receive a priesthood blessing for guidance and strength. 4. Family support Family support can be one of the most important elements in overcoming hopelessness. Some aren't so fortunate to have a family to turn to or they do but don't have the relationship to talk to them because they just wouldn't understand or listen. A friend or confidant can always give solace. 5. Bishop He is always there for counseling. This is his calling. He has been set apart to attend to the temporal affairs of his ward members. 6. Home teachers The home teaching program was instituted for these kinds of situations; to help strengthen and build hope and encouragement. A proper home teacher will be continually aware of the attitudes, the activities and interests, the problems, the employment, the health, the happiness, the plans and purposes, the physical, temporal, and spiritual needs and circumstances of everyone who they have been placed in trust and care of. They represent the bishop. 7. Scriptures I turn to the scriptures for another source of strength and guidance. In them I find examples of righteous individuals who have gone through so many hardships and challenges, and to see how they coped and prevailed over their adversities while remaining strong and not crumbling under defeat and discouragement. 8. Service Our greatest happiness comes from losing ourselves for the good of others. As Christ himself said, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." (Luke 9:24) Making others happy, without wanting anything in return is something that brings an exquisite inner joy that cannot be expressed, only experienced. Overall, by living the commandments of God, joy, peace, harmony and love is attainable. (see 4 Nephi, chapter one) As far as achieving my potential, I don't think anyone can ever say that they have reached the peak of their potential. There is always another mountain to climb, another battle to be won, another challenge to face. We reach plateaus, but there is always another one to attain. I do think it is important though, to set short term goals for yourself. There is a sense of short term accomplishment and progress that can be seen when you do this, otherwise you will have the opinion that you're not even progressing at all. I'm the kind of person that has to be accomplishing something all the time. Otherwise I feel as though time is being wasted. Life can be tough and by the tone of your comment, there are some tough things going on in yours. When I find myself in that situation, I remember what my Mother always said, "This too shall pass." Trials are part of life and for our own good, sometimes. You may want to read section 122 in the Doctrine and Covenants and see what the Lord had to say to Joseph Smith during his hard trials. Remember, there is no reward given unless an effort in some way is contributed. Don't be discouraged and feel you aren't getting anywhere. Discouragement is Satan's greatest tool. And finally, regarding holding fast to my faith, when I look in the eyes of my children and my wife and know that they will be with me forever because we've been sealed together in the temple of the Lord for eternity, this is what keeps me glued to my religion. Every time I succeed in overcoming temptation and influences of the world, these are the times when I know that I am slowly but surely achieving my potential. Every time I hit a road block, I turn to the Lord in faith and prayer, and these are the times when I feel I have the strength to keep going. We have no reward until the trial of our faith. (see Ether 12:6 and 1 Peter 1:7) I guess to sum it up, the Latter-day Saints religion is not just a weekly appointment at church, it is a way of life that brings joy and peace to my soul. I hope this gives you some insight. Sincerely, Donny Osmond See related multimedia presentations

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