"Lessons from Liberty Jail"

Farrah and I were talking about trials and hardships. The following day this talk was on KBYU, and I found great comfort in hearing the words from Brother Holland. It was a gentle reminder of what I know about trials and enduring, and it was a souce of encouragement.

Jeffery R. Holland
9/7/2008 CES Young Adult Fireside

Speaking of the conditions and trials of the Church and the prophet Joseph Smith, Pres. Smith said, "Perhaps such things have to happen." "As I have read the histories of those days, the days that went before and the days that came after, I have reached the conclusion that the hardships, the persecution, the almost universal opposition to the Church at that time were necessary. At any rate, they became school teachers to our people to help make them strong."

"man's extreminity is God's opportunity"

It was during this period of time, in the dark depths of Liberty jail that the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote Sections 121, 122, & 123 of the D & C.

D&C 121:7
...peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thy afflictions shall be but a small moment;

D&C 122:7-8
...know thou, my son that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall by for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

D&C 123: 16-17
...a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves. Therefore, dearly beloved brethern, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

The Three Lessons from Liberty Jail
1. Everyone, including the righteous, will be called upon to face trying times. God has not foresaken us in our trials.
2. When we have trials it does not mean that we are unrighteous or unworthy. Suffering comes also to the righteous. Remember, Christ has been where you've been.
3. In the midst of difficult feelings and trials remember the powers of heaven cannot be controlled or handled. Don't blame or lash out at God, or others.

When we weep, God and the angels weep with us. He has not foresaken us in our darkest, lonlinest hour.

When what has to be has been and when we have learned what we need to learn, we will recieve from the Spirit beautiful glorious answers from the Father.

Angels are around and about to bear you up as you go through trials.

Heavenly Father and Christ have planned, prepared and guaranteed your victory over your trials, if you desire it; have faith and endure it well.