We talk of adversity, but we are never prepared for it when it hits us personally, are we? We still manage to ask WHY? President Henry B. Eyring’s conference address gives us a good way to prepare; thus overcoming the adversity that comes to us all.

I’m still surprised to run into people who aren’t sure if there is a God and that He loves us. Yes, there are many bad things happening around us; many senseless, ugly things, that might cause us to question the purposes of life. But, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are taught of things hoped for on the “other side”; that there is a reason for everything—because of agency; and there is a consequence, both good and bad, to be pronounced upon every person, for every case.

“My purpose today is to assure you that our Heavenly Father and the Savior live and that They love all humanity. “ Those comforting words said by Pres. Eyring must be accepted and believed, because they are true. “The very opportunity for us to face adversity and affliction is part of the evidence of Their infinite love.” It is by successfully overcoming adversity that we “become able to want what God wants, to think as He thinks, and thus be prepared for the trust of an endless posterity to teach and to lead through tests to be raised up to qualify to live forever in eternal life.”

The way to overcome adversity is by our attitude; in knowing what we know, and humbly moving forward. We know there is no escape from it; it will come. But with a positive and hopeful attitude, we are able to get through it, appreciating God’s help, recognizing His mercy, and believing in His plan without soul-eating bitterness.

Adversity causes interesting reactions from people. There are people who actually enjoy wallowing, and tend to move from one crisis to another. Some people live almost the perfect life, so when something bad happens they are totally caught unawares and are even baffled. Others take it in stride, but don’t really take action to move forward, or out of harm’s way.

Pres. Eyring teaches of the only way we should react to adversity. “I have seen faith and courage come from a testimony that it is true that we are being prepared for eternal life. The Lord will rescue His faithful disciples. And the disciple who accepts a trial as an invitation to grow and therefore qualify for eternal life can find peace in the midst of the struggle. The Lord always suits the relief to the person in need to best strengthen and purify him or her.”

The Book of Mormon explains clearly why the Lord is there with us during our pain. “He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience.” Alma tells us the Savior suffered pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind. He felt the pains, sicknesses, and infirmities, “that He may know …how to succor his people.” (see Alma 7:11-13)

Let us be like Paul who said—Adversity? Bring it on! (see 2 Cor 12:7-9) That we might all be able to say, as he, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (see 2 Tim 4:5-8)

(Conference Address given by Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Apr. 2009)