In his article, Peace, Be Still, Thomas S. Monson tells of yet another coincidence that was not coincidence. Like President Monson's prayer of thanks to Heavenly Father for His guiding influence, I am grateful for God's inspiration that prompted recent events in my life. Truly, there are no coincidences.
Life is hard but also joyous. I know I will have marvelous experiences in this life. When I am called upon to do difficult things, I testify they are for my good and growth. "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever," Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9.
I've been preserved for a reason, and He will make my burdens light and bearable. "And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did astrengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with cpatience to all the will of the Lord," Mosiah 24:13-15.
Nevertheless, when my work here is done, I will stand before God in my flesh and bones to answer for my actions. "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God," Job 19:25-26.
I learned a secret from the Hawaiians; they never wear their hardships on their faces but smile beautifully most all the time. Smiling and trusting in His grace will help me stand as His witness at all times, in all things, and in all places. I'm ready for my new adventure.
