In Everything Give Thanks

Nov 2008 Issue

by Krista Ralston Oakes

Our Heavenly Father designed a great plan to bring to pass our immortality and eternal lives (Moses 1:39). The Book of Mormon describes this plan as the “plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8, 16) and teaches us that “men are that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25).

Yet this plan of happiness necessarily includes opposition and adversity. When our lives take unexpected twists and turns, we may find ourselves longing for a more predictable and pain-free existence.

We must remember that in the premortal existence it was Lucifer’s plan that guaranteed predictable outcomes at the expense of free agency. Our existence on this earth signifies our acceptance of the Lord’s way.

In counseling his son Jacob, who had experienced much affliction and sorrow, the prophet Lehi taught that in order to accomplish his purposes, the Lord’s plan required an “opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11).”

Lehi also taught, “thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain (2 Nephi 2:2).”

When the early Latter-day Saints were suffering intense persecution in Missouri, the Lord offered the following encouragement: “Fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks…All things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good (D&C 98: 1, 3).”

The command to give thanks “in every thing” is also found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. At this time of Thanksgiving we commonly begin listing the happy things in our lives. But we can also find reasons for gratitude within the adversity in our lives when we recognize how our afflictions can be consecrated for our gain and work together for our good.

We choose whether to allow adversity to bless us or harm us. The Book of Mormon illustrates this choice in the context of a long war between the Nephites and Lamanites. “But behold…many had become hardened…and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God… (Alma 62:41)”

The Israelites multiplied and grew in the face of oppressive Egyptian slavery (Exodus 1:12). In the midst of our own adversity there are opportunities to multiply and grow the attributes that will bring us lasting joy.

Alma the younger described his sinful past and the “exquisite and bitter” pain of his suffering followed by the “exquisite and sweet” joy of forgiveness upon repentance. He emerged faithful, bringing more souls unto repentance. He taught his sons to rely upon the Lord, testifying, “I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions…yea, and I do put my trust in him (Alma chapter 36).” We can likewise emerge from self-inflicted adversity with a strengthened resolve to remain steadfast.

The apostle Paul had what he called “a thorn in the flesh.” He prayed for the Lord to take that thorn from him, but instead the Lord replied: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12: 7-10). The prophet Ether received a similar response when the Lord told him, “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them (Ether 12:27).” The strength that comes from this process increases our hope and confidence in the Lord. As explained by Moroni, our witness comes only after the trial of our faith (Ether 12:6).

Our Savior, who walked in perfect obedience, experienced adversity in order to fulfill his mission. Alma testified, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; … and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities (Alma 7:11-12).” As we follow his example we can use our afflictions to increase our capacity for empathy and charity.

Adversity reveals things that we may otherwise take for granted. As we take notice and acknowledge the blessings in our lives, and the tender mercies that sustain us through our trials, more of them are revealed to us, and we become like the servant of Elisha, whose eyes were finally opened to see the numerous chariots of fire protecting them against the enemy (2 Kings 6).

Indeed, we have opportunities within all of life’s experiences – no matter how difficult –to find reasons for gratitude. As we do so, we access greater blessings, gain a deeper trust in the Lord’s plan of happiness, and discover much cause to rejoice within any circumstance.