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

The post Patience in afflictions first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

We talk of trials and afflictions and tend to think of the “big ones” in our lives. ⁣

But honestly?⁣

Most of my afflictions are small.

Monday mornings. Lack of sleep. Crying kid. Bad attitudes. Lists of chores and errands. Not enough time. Small miscommunications with friends. Frustrations. Too many commitments. ⁣

Does God consecrate these small (but many) afflictions for my gain, too?⁣

I think 2 Nephi chapter 2 explains this perfectly over and over again:⁣

It is my choice whether or not to accept that my Heavenly Father will dedicate these mundane trials for my ultimate benefit. ⁣

Am I going to use my kid having a meltdown as fuel for my frustration OR as a way for me to practice my patience and love?⁣

Am I going to let my to-do list add to my overwhelm OR use it to practice prioritizing what matters most? ⁣

Chapter 2 is one of the most empowering chapters in the Book of Mormon because it’s a fresh reminder that we are in control of our ultimate fate. ⁣

And I love the reminder that we are also in control of how much we allow God unto our lives. ⁣

Do we only wait until a big trial drags us to our knees in desperation?⁣

Or do we call on His help and consecration for the daily afflictions that every “natural man” experiences, knowing that they can all be for our gain?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Afflictions: Big and small first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.