Becoming

In preparing a lesson for the Young Women of my church, I read a talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks called The Challenge to Become. For all those moments when I think "why me?" "why this?" Here is the answer.

Our needed conversions are often achieved more readily by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquillity, as Elder Hales taught us so beautifully this morning. Father Lehi promised his son Jacob that God would “consecrate [his] afflictions for [his] gain” (2 Ne. 2:2). The Prophet Joseph was promised that “thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high” (D&C 121:7–8).

Most of us experience some measure of what the scriptures call “the furnace of affliction” (Isa. 48:10; 1 Ne. 20:10). Some are submerged in service to a disadvantaged family member. Others suffer the death of a loved one or the loss or postponement of a righteous goal like marriage or childbearing. Still others struggle with personal impairments or with feelings of rejection, inadequacy, or depression. Through the justice and mercy of a loving Father in Heaven, the refinement and sanctification possible through such experiences can help us achieve what God desires us to become.

For whatever reason, the addiction of a loved one is the tailor-made challenge that has the potential to help me become what God intends for me to become. Daily I have to make choices to continue in trying to benefit from the challenges I face. I want to become more like Him.