Does God really send us trials? A comforting truth about adversity

At BYU Education Week on Tuesday, August 17, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke to listeners about the differences and commonalities we have with one another.

Jessica was a client of mine who was having panic attacks that terrified her—heart racing, couldn’t catch her breath, feeling lightheaded and tense. On top of that, she couldn’t sleep at night and she felt stressed and exhausted. No matter what she tried, it just seemed like things were getting worse. Why was this happening to her, a faithful Latter-day Saint who was trying the best she could to do what was right?

Jennie Taylor knows something of the sacrifices that have been made over the past 20 years in Afghanistan. Her husband, Major Brent Taylor, was shot and killed by an Afghan commando during a training in 2018.

Few things are more empowering than being able to choose. While there is much in the world that we cannot control, each day we can decide how we will respond to the people and circumstances that come our way. A recent articlein the Church’s YA Weekly section encourages Latter-day Saints to actively choose to bring positivity into their lives. How? By harnessing the power of positive communication.

Students at Brigham Young University will begin their fall semester on August 30th. Two time-honored traditions at the university are the weekly devotionals and the forums held at the Marriott Center on campus. Devotionals are spiritual in nature, while forums tend to focus on a more secular topic. These weekly addresses cover a wide variety of topics and speakers range from local leaders to nationally recognized names, but they all bring welcome perspectives, insights, and spark discussion among students and faculty alike.

I used to believe that a life free of trials was the most desirable. I figured that if I were just righteous enough, I would be spared the difficulties and challenges experienced by others. As my understanding of the Father’s plan has increased, I’ve realized I’m wrong on both counts. A life free of trials is the least desirable mortal experience because it would lead to such little growth. And righteous behavior definitely does not exempt us from difficulties and challenges.

At ages 4 and 7, siblings Ari and Geo Bonner notice who is depicted in the images around them. They are excited to see their favorite superheroes and princesses. They are proud to point out people they recognize in books and movies. And, sometimes, they are confused when they don’t see people who look like them.

This week’s Come, Follow Me highlights familiar scriptures for members of the Church. Doctrine and Covenants 89, known as the Word of Wisdom, is only 21 verses long—but there’s a lot to unpack.

Oneita Sumsion, age 90, has proven that it’s never too late to graduate.