But if Not...

I have had this thought in my head for the last couple of months... It was a talk given by Elder Dennis E. Simmons of the seventy awhile back. My heart has been aching for specific family members and friends lately. They are going through things I don't understand, and quite honestly hope I never get to go through so I can understand. Life is not fair. Even to the most obedient, loving, successful, amazing people. It's really easy to become bitter towards others because it seems they are given things on a golden plate, and take those things for granted, when if you could only have a taste of what they have, you would be satisfied for life. While reading through his talk again, I came across a few great quotes, that have helped me understand better why life is not fair.

"The Lord has given us agency, the right and the responsibility to decide. He tests us by allowing us to be challenged. He assures us that He will not suffer us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. But we must understand that great challenges make great men. We don't seek tribulation, but if we respond in faith, the Lord strengthens us. The but if nots can become remarkable blessings."

I obviously love the part I bolded, "great challenges make great men (and women)." He goes on to say this- which is totally awesome! :)

"Our God will deliver us from ridicule and persecution, but if not. . . . Our God will deliver us from sickness and disease, but if not . . . . He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not. . . . Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not. . . . He will deliver us from death or impairment of loved ones, but if not, . . . we will trust in the Lord.
Our God will see that we receive justice and fairness, but if not. . . . He will make sure that we are loved and recognized, but if not. . . . We will receive a perfect companion and righteous and obedient children, but if not, . . . we will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will, in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has."

So, just a "sharing Rachael's thoughts" moment. I do know that the Lord loves us all, and He sees the big picture. This life isn't easy and it won't be perfect, but I know if we just endure- and endure well- it will be worth it, and one day it will be perfect.