Sister Nolan taught this weeks lesson and it was her last lesson before they move this week.
The manual says, " Every man and woman who serves the Lord, no matter how faithful they
may be, have their dark hours; but if they have lived faithfully, light
will burst upon them and relief will be furnished.”
Sis Nolan said it is often heard that members/people say that we do all these things right yet this bad thing still happened to us. She reminded us of Pres. Monsons words, The future is only as bright as your faith.
Pres. Snow tells of a time he recalls when the Saints had very had living conditions. Little to no provisions, depending on neighbors for charity, nursing others who were sick. He organized groups. Some would stay and care of families and other would go off to work. They all pulled together to help each other. He invited everyone to his "little mansion". A place he could create to be a peaceful santuary as they sang together, read poems, etc. He said at the close everyone seemed satisfied and happy as though they were not homeless.
Sis Nolan asked us How can be we keep going forward with faith like these Saints? Why did they?
There were several wonderful comments shared, stories and emotions. Heavenly Father never gives us more than we can handle.
The manual says, "however disagreeable it might have appeared to us, we were willing to conform to the will of God, and consequently we are here.. The
Lord has determined in His heart that He will try us until He knows
what He can do with us. He tried His Son Jesus. … Before He [the Savior]
came upon earth the Father had watched His course and knew that He
could depend upon Him when the salvation of worlds should be at stake;
and He was not disappointed. So in regard to ourselves. He will try us,
and continue to try us, in order that He may place us in the highest
positions in life and put upon us the most sacred responsibilities.
If
we succeed in passing through the approaching fiery ordeals with our
fidelity and integrity unimpeached, we may expect at the close of our
trials, a great and mighty outpouring of the Spirit and power of God—a
great endowment upon all who shall have remained true to their
covenants. …"
Through trials we can find a reason to smile and be happy. There is always something to bring you back up. When you can find happy moments in your darkest time that is pure joy.
She asked us, "why do you need trials? Why do we need to stretch and grow? and how do they help us eternally?"
The manual goes on to say, "Be
of good cheer—be not disheartened; for assuredly the day rapidly comes
when your tears shall be dried, your hearts comforted, and you shall eat
of the products of your labours. …
Be honest, be virtuous, be honourable, be meek and lowly, courageous and bold, cultivate simplicity, be like the Lord; Every man and woman who serves the Lord, no matter how faithful they may
be, have their dark hours; but if they have lived faithfully, light
will burst upon them and relief will be furnished."
… I know that your lives have not been all sunshine; you have doubtless
passed through many a trial, and perhaps have come up through much
tribulation; but by continued integrity you will soon emerge from the
shadows into the glorious sunshine of the celestial world.
Thank you Sis. Nolan for your service in this ward. We will miss you!