Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (deceased) wrote:
Adversity is part of life. We will all have it because we need it for growth and for the forging of our righteous character. I have learned that the Lord has a consummate capacity to judge our intent. He is concerned about what we are becoming by the choices we make. He has an individual plan for each of us.
Although it may not be a welcome insight, the truth is that you will grow more rapidly through challenge and trial than from a life of ease and serenity with no disturbing elements. The intent of our Father in Heaven is to lift you from where you were to where He knows you will have eternal purpose and unspeakable happiness. By using the talents, abilities, and latent capacities you developed in the premortal existence, He will lead you through growth experiences here on earth. When faced squarely and lived fully without complaint, they will raise you to glorious heights of accomplishment and service. To do all that during the brief period you are on earth is a tremendous challenge. To accelerate your growth and attainment in his plan for you, sometimes He employs a pattern described on the label of some medicines: “Shake well before using.”
Such shaking comes through stirring challenges and stretching tests. You likely have encountered some already. You undoubtedly will encounter others. They may come in the form of an accident, the conferral of a great responsibility, or a move that dramatically changes your surroundings and circle of trusted friends. You may begin educational or professional pursuits that prove far more demanding than anticipated. Perhaps personal illness, handicaps, or the death of a loved one puts seeming barriers in your path. In truth they are more likely giant steps intended to lift you to higher levels of understanding and accomplishment. How these challenges are confronted is critically important to your happiness and personal growth now and forever.
No one wants adversity. Trials, disappointments, sadness, and heartache come to us from two basically different sources. Those who transgress the laws of God will always have those challenges. The other reason for adversity is to accomplish the Lord’s own purposes in our life that we may receive the refinement that comes from testing. It is vitally important for each of us to identify from which of these two sources come our trials and challenges, for the corrective action is very different.
If you are suffering the disheartening effects of transgression, please recognize that the only path to permanent relief from sadness is sincere repentance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Realize your full dependence upon the Lord and your need to align your life with his teachings. There is really no other way to get lasting healing and peace. Postponing humble repentance will delay or prevent receiving relief. Admit to yourself mistakes and seek help now. Your bishop is a friend with keys of authority to help you find peace of mind and contentment. The way will be open for you to have strength and be forgiven.
But there is a second source of adversity. . . .
~Richard G. Scott, 21 Principles, (Deseret Book, Salt Lake City 2013) p. 53-54 (see the second post of three)
