I love fixing problems.
That’s why I’ve always loved math.
And so when I have problems come up in my life, I want to fix them right away.
If I’m not feeling the spirit in my life, then I need to figure out what is hindering me so that I can open myself up to inspiration again.
If I’m having a medical issue, I want to get the diagnosis so that we can treat it appropriately.
If I’m wanting to make a decision, I try to get all the information and make the best decision that I can as soon as possible.
But I’ve noticed something in the scriptures.
The Lord never asks us to solve our afflictions.
Although I’m sure He appreciates the qualities of being a good problem-solver, most scriptures give us completely different counsel about how to deal with difficulties:
“Be PATIENT in afflictions
“For thou shalt have MANY;
“But endure them,
“For, lo, I am with thee.” D&C 24:8
We are told that we will have afflictions.
No amount of preparation or knowledge can change that.
And when those afflictions come?
We are asked to just be patient in them.
To sit in the miserable.
To wait without an answer.
To see no solution in sight.
That is what we are asked to do.
That doesn’t sound very awesome.
Because I don’t like to have a problem, and just wait.
But the Lord gives us a redeeming promise that should be more than enough to carry us through any dark path we have to endure.
I AM WITH THEE.
Fear not.
The Lord is with us.
Sitting right beside us in the miserable.
Waiting without an immediate answer, but with tons of quiet encouragement.
Showing us that waiting in affliction doesn’t mean the end of the world.
We are going to have a lot of afflictions.
And sometimes, a whole bunch all at once. (I’m with ya there!)
And we aren’t asked to solve them all by ourselves.
We are asked to just be patient and to endure.
And as miserable as waiting during an affliction can sound, when the Lord is with us every step of the way, we can still find those moments of peace, love, and even joy.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
6 Responses
Thank you. I usually do say “Thy will be done.” But guess what? I’m trying as hard as I can to solve a problem. I realize by your message today that I AM trying as hard as I can to get the solution to this challenge go in any way it can to keep me in a “Comfort Zone”! i just may have to endure more and your message not only reminded me, it strengthened me.
Great insight. It’s hard to step out of that comfort zone, but it will ultimately help you grow.
I don’t really feel that Heavenly Father wants us to just sit and be miserable. God wants us to be patient in our trials and afflictions but he doesn’t want us to wallow in misery. If everyone had done that through this pandemic we wouldn’t have vaccines coming out for it now. He expects us to do what we can, to draw closer to Him, to serve others and yes, to be patient no matter what the affliction might be.
For sure, and thank you for your comment. There are so many times when He does want us to act and better our situation. But other times, I really have felt Him just staying by my side while I sit and wait!
Waiting on the Lord By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland speaks to what you have written here. Also, you have helped me to understand that true joy requires patience in affliction. Patience can also mean struggle. We have to struggle through hard things in order to experience the joy our Heavenly Father has promised us. Often times, the struggle requires vulnerability to make it through. Have you listened to any talks or read any books by Brene’ Brown? She is an expert in vulnerability and the power that comes from it. I believe it is a divine characteristic we all need to develop because true repentance and forgiveness requires us to be vulnerable. To experience true joy, we have to be willing to be vulnerable when required by the Lord. Thank you for helping me remember this.
I love Elder Holland’s talk also. We can always learn more about patience and afflictions, and his talk really touched me. I haven’t read any of Brene Brown’s books, but I’ve listened to podcast interviews and follow her on social media! She’s awesome.