The Test...

For after much tribulation...cometh the blessing.
- Doctrine and Covenants 103:12

It seems that no one is immune to the trials that are part of mortality. This has been a lesson that has been reinforced repeatedly over the past several months as I have watched those around me deal with sorrow, pain, illness, and loss of many kinds, and as I have dealt with those as well.

I was reminded again of the fragility of this temporal existence this weekend when I learned that a friend suffered the sudden loss of her sweetheart. Recently, another friend, in fact, an entire community lost a beloved member. Friends and family members have been ill. For others employment has been elusive. Still others deal with hearts that have been broken and struggle to hold on. The list could go on... In so many of these instances healing seems very far away.  I am left wondering at times where in all of these moments are the succor and mercy that are promised for those who seek it?

Then I remember that I am not alone in these thoughts or questions. Even the Savior who was perfect, who descended below all things, felt momentarily forsaken at the end of his mortal life as he cried, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" He who lived and died for me was tested above anything you or I will ever be called to endure. And in the end he knew he had not been forsaken or forgotten and because he endured to the end and passed through it all there is hope.

Through the words of Jeffrey R. Holland, "Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations...is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you]. (None Were With Him, General Conference - April 2009)

Because He passed the test, we can also. There is hope for all of us that after - indeed even during - the trial, we will be blessed. There is balm in Gilead. He will mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. He will not leave us alone. Healing will come whether on this side of the veil or the next. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)

I may not always understand why things happen the way they do. But there is comfort in knowing there is One who does.

The Test
Janice Kapp Perry

Tell me friend, why are you blind?

Why doesn't he who worked the miracles 

send light into your eyes

Tell me friend if you understand.

Why doesn't he with power to raise the dead

 Just make you whole again?

It would be so easy for him.

I watch you and in sorrow question why.

Then you my friend in perfect faith reply - 

Didn't he say he sent us to be tested?

Didn't he say the way would not be sure?

But didn't he say that we could live with him

Forever more, well and whole,

If we but patiently endure?

After the trial we will be blessed

But this life is the test.

Tell me friend, I see your pain.

Why when you pray in faith for healing 

Does the crippling thorn remain?

Help me see if you understand.

Why doesn't he who healed the lame man 

Come with healing in his wings?

It would be so easy for him. 

I watch you and in sorrow question why.

Then you my friend in perfect faith reply -

Didn't he say he sent us to be tested?

Didn't he say the way would not be sure?

But didn't he say that we could live with him 

Forever more, well and whole,

If we but patiently endure?

After the trial

We will be blessed.

But this life is the test.

Tell me love why must you die?

Why must your loved ones stand with empty arms

 And ask the question why?

Help me know so I can go on.

How when your love in faith sustain me,

Can the precious gift be gone?

From the depths of sorrow I cry.

Though pangs of grief within my soul arise,

The whisperings of the Spirit still my cries -

Didn't he say he sent us to be tested?

Didn't he say the way would not be sure?

But didn't he say we could live with him 

Forever more, well and whole,

If we but patiently endure?

After the trial we will be blessed.

But this life is the test.