Me Thinks

I heard an excellent talk in Sacrament Meeting on the subject of trials.  I wish I could have written fast enough to record every point that the speaker made, but here are a few things I learned:

Affliction is to make us wise, not despondent.

Blessings come into our lives because of our weaknesses and afflictions.  We develop because of our weaknesses and afflictions.

Afflictions come to the innocent and trials come 

to those who do the Lord's work.  

Job did not curse or whine.  He remained faithful.

Christ was in a weakened state when he was tempted and 

yet he did not succumb to temptation.

If we are not delivered the way we want to be delivered, 

can we still remain faithful and follow Him?

And my favorite line of the talk-- 

Trials come to us so that we know who has come to deliver us.

Without trials, would I pray as hard?  Without affliction, would I rely on the Lord as much?  If I could solve everything myself, then why and when would I go to Him for help?  There is a plan, and part of that plan is that we came to earth to be tested and tried, and as we deal with sorrow and affliction we can turn to the Lord for help, understanding, direction, and strength.  I am grateful for that.