As Danny and Kaelah nap this Sunday afternoon, I'm reading out of the book of Genesis, specifically about Abraham & Sarah. I think my parents gave me a wonderful name & I marvel at how difficult it must have been for my namesake to live as she did. As I read about Abraham's trial to offer up his son Isaac, I marvel at the strength of both of these men (seeing as how Isaac was probably in his 30s & thereby submitted his will to his father's) and how much of a similitude this story brings to us (even geographically)! Although I do not feel to be in the midst of a great trial, I have many friends going through not-so-easy times right now & I thought I would share a couple quotes: Quote #1:
"The Saints should always remember that God sees not as man sees; that he does not willingly afflict his children, and that if he requires them to endure present privation and trial, it is that they may escape greater tribulations which would otherwise inevitably overtake them. If He deprives them of any present blessing, it is that he may bestow upon them greater and more glorious ones by-and-by."
~George Q. Cannon
I feel truly blessed to have learned on my mission to Taiwan that God does love all of us no matter how different our lives or "trials" may be. He does not leave us helpless. He does not forget us or stop loving us. He is always there, unfailing, all-mighty, and wise beyond our comprehension. I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ understand not only what I have been through, but what is in my future, and love me enough to withhold what I want now in order to give me what I want more later. Thank God for "unanswered" prayers and the loves He shows to us through them.
Quote #2:
"Any reluctance to sacrifice whatever God requires will, to that degree, lessen our ability to have faith in God." ~Joseph Smith
Wow. Now this quote caused some serious inner reflection for me b/c without faith we have nothing! Of course one cannot read about Sarah without knowing she wanted to be a mother for 70 years before her desire came true. Although my wait was soooo much shorter, I am glad that as we try to adopt again, whenever I hear my name I can also hear the name of a righteous woman who had the faith to become a mother in a miraculous way. I am so grateful for all our friends and family who lent us their faith and prayers before we were blessed to adopt Kaelah. If adoption is not a miracle, then I don't know what is.
Comments
Sometimes trials are like getting a shot. It hurts so badly now, but its to keep from hurting even worse later.
I'm printing that quote off, i loved it. thank you!