The Storms of Life

Sometimes, it rains.  Maybe it will sprinkle.  Occasionally it pours.  But I don't mean like what happens to be going on outside right now, but on the inside.  In the parts of your life that you can't physically see.  

The Book of Mormon tells us the story of the Brother of Jared.  He and his people had to cross the ocean in barges to get to a land that God had promised to them.  "And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind... And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven before the wind" (Ether 6:5,8).  The Brother of Jared probably expected some wind, but a storm that never stopped?  Winds and waves that lasted for almost a year??

The Lord has been known to do this with us.  Sometimes, all we can see is the storm.  Our lives are being bashed by the waves of the sea.  We don't know if we're going to make it.  Yet, we must trust that God has a "promised land" for us.  He takes opportunities to push us toward something better.  And it will hardly ever be a gentle push.  I'm learning that the harder life gets, the more spiritual progress we can make, even though we can't see it.  

Trust me, it's not an easy lesson to learn.  The hardest part for me is my attitude about a problem.  "And they did sing praise unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord" (Ether 6:9).  These people were stuck on a boat in torrential rains for almost a year, and they were thanking the Lord!  In my opinion, I think it's ok to mourn.  It's ok to be sad or disappointed.  But keep your head up.  Don't give up on that promised land you're heading for just yet.  Trials are a time of learning and growing.  You can either turn to the Lord and grow closer to Him, or turn away, shaking your fist at Him in anger.  

For me, I would rather deal with short term storms than eternal punishment.  Of course, your options won't always be put so simply, but never forget that it's the little things that will make a big difference.  Scripture study, prayer, going to church.  Simple, yet they can be the difference between the straight and narrow path or starting to wander in spiritual darkness.  Hold on to those little things, that little bit of faith you have.  These little things are what will help you draw closer to Him during your storms and stress.

Finally, remember to hope.  Hope for that promised land to come.  Because God is your loving Heavenly Father, He will push you.  He will push you in a direction that will lead to such great happiness.  He doesn't want you to give up on the wonderful things He has in mind for you.  

"...wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritance in the place which [He] hast prepared" (Ether 12:32).