It seems that more and more often, we’ll hear people complain about the adversity around them. “Why is life so hard?” “Why did that have to happen?” “Why is there so much suffering in the world?” “Why me?” “Why isn’t it fair?” We need to remember that adversity is an important component of the Plan of Salvation.

Life, indeed, is not fair, but it was never meant to be fair. Right? We were sent down here to prove ourselves in spite of all kinds of suffering, shortcomings, weaknesses, and difficulties. And on top of that, we were asked to sacrifice certain pleasures, which would add to having a not so perfect life. So, when we talk about adversity, we should never be talking about ourselves, and our woes; we should be talking about God’s plan in action. It should always be a motivating subject, one that reminds us of Heavenly Father’s, and Jesus’s, great love for us.

ADVERSITY IS PART OF GOD’S PLAN FOR OUR ETERNAL PROGRESS

Howard W. Hunter explained the doctrine of adversity when he said,

“The law of friction or resistance that we think of as only applying to science seems to find application in our personal lives. This is probably what Lehi was referring to when he spoke to his son Jacob. He reminded Jacob of the afflictions and sorrows that had come to him because of the rudeness of his brethren, and told him how these afflictions would ultimately result in good. These are the words of Jacob to his son: “Thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain” (2 Ne. 2:2).

In other words, the afflictions that had come to him in the form of opposition or resistance would be for his good. Then Lehi added these words that have become classic: “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, … righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad” (2 Ne. 2:11) (“God Will Have a Tried People,” Ensign, May 1980).

OUR MORTAL TRIBULATIONS ARE FOR OUR GROWTH AND EXPERIENCE

It isn’t fun to think of tribulation as a good thing. Paul had a pretty good attitude when he said, “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). I call that the “Bring it on!” verse, just to keep myself psyched for what I must face in this life.

Pres. Hunter spoke of the time Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail. He spent Christmas in an underground jail. There was no bathroom, no heat, no light, and they were given putrid water and human meat for food (which Joseph was thankfully warned by the Lord not to eat). Can you just imagine the feeling of hopelessness that came over him? He received Doctrine and Covenants, Section 122 at that time. I feel the most important words worth thinking about are:

V 7: “All these things shall give thee experience.”

V 8: “The Son of Man hath descended below them all.”

V 9: “God shall be with you forever and ever.”

WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE OPTIMISTIC AND CONFIDENT EVEN IN TIMES OF DIFFICULTY

We are living in a time of violence, just like Noah’s day. There are wars going on all around us, crime, economic woes, family problems, etc. None of us will escape from adversity of some kind. Yet, Pres. Hunter said, “I reassure you that things have been worse and they will always get better. They always do—especially when we live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ and give it a chance to flourish in our lives … Contrary to what some might say, you have every reason in this world to be happy and to be optimistic and to be confident.” (pg. 66).

WHEN WE COME TO THE SAVIOR, HE WILL EASE OUR BURDENS AND LIGHTEN OUR LOADS

When I volunteered at the Church History Museum, we would teach the Fourth Graders about Utah history. We had a Blacksmith come in occasionally and talk about the oxen used to pull wagons across the plains, as well as work the soil. Of particular interest was what it took to shoe an ox. Their legs don’t bend back like a horse that simply lifts his leg so the shoe can be changed. Several people must help lay the ox down on one side, where two shoes could be replaced. Then the ox was lifted to his other side to change out the other two shoes. It was an ordeal!

We learned how an ox is trained in the proper commands to get it to move forward, turn left or right, or to stop. They are fairly smart animals and rarely need a whip to get them moving, however, because they are such big animals, work is slow and laborious. Putting one ox into a yoke allowed the owner to control him better, or rather get the ox to respond a little faster, especially if a ring was put through his nose then tied to the yoke.

Farmers have found that it is so much easier when two oxen are yoked side by side, especially if one ox is bigger than the other. The bigger one will automatically take the lead, coaxing the smaller one along. What happens is both oxen will recognize that one is the leader and the other the follower, and the leader will move on it’s own volition taking on that role while the other one happily follows. It is actually easier to work with two yoked oxen than just one.

Matthew 11: 28-30, comes to life when we realize that when we are yoked with Jesus Christ, and let Him take the lead, it is actually easier to live in this world.

I encourage you to read Howard W. Hunter’s talk, “An Anchor to the Souls of Men.” This is one of the great talks ever given. He tells us not to fear living in the world. Instead, put our trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ. As the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he gave this promise:

“I promise you in the name of the Lord whose servant I am that God will always protect and care for his people. We will have our difficulties the way every generation and people have had difficulties. But with the gospel of Jesus Christ, you have every hope and promise and reassurance. The Lord has power over his Saints and will always prepare places of peace, defense, and safety for his people. When we have faith in God we can hope for a better world—for us personally, and for all mankind. The prophet Ether taught anciently (and he knew something about troubles): “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.” (Ether 12:4.) (Also found on pg. 70.)

We are blessed to be called the people of God. He will never leave us, especially when we need Him most. I testify that He will come instantly when we call upon Him and ask for help. And I also absolutely believe that our adversity will prepare us for Godhood. As Pres. Hunter stated, and I likewise believe, “we have every reason in time and eternity to rejoice and give thanks for the quality of our lives and the promises we have been given” (pg. 72).