(Isa. 48:10; D&C 121:7–8; 122:5, 7; 101:2, 4, 127:2; 2 Cor. 12:9; 2 Ne. 2:2,11; Matt. 11:28–30; refer in Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Bassett, to Eth. 12:26–27)
Our needed conversions are often achieved more readily by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquillity… . 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.
We are challenged to move through a process of conversion toward that status and condition called eternal life. This is achieved not just by doing what is right, but by doing it for the right reason—for the pure love of Christ.
(Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Nov. 2000, 33–34.)
The terrain over which we have traveled is a grim reminder that struggle, persecution, and sorrow have been the lot of our forebears. Kirtland, Jackson County, Clay County, Haun’s Mill, and Nauvoo seem synonymous with suffering—a part of the tribulation the Lord promised that his people would have to endure (see D&C 58:3).
As we look back in retrospect, we see that it was because of the opposition encountered in our early history that our progress today has been made possible.
(Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, May 1980, 25.)
Being human, we would expel from our lives physical pain and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort, but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self-mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education.
(Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972], 98.)
Let us alone, and we will send Elders to the uttermost parts of the earth, and gather out Israel, wherever they are; and if you persecute us, we will do it the quicker, because we are naturally dull when let alone, and are disposed to take a little sleep, a little slumber, and a little rest. If you let us alone, we will do it a little more leisurely; but if you persecute us, we will sit up nights to preach the Gospel.
(Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, ed. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1925], 351–52.)
Let any people enjoy peace and quietness, unmolested, undisturbed,—never be persecuted for their religion, and they are very likely to neglect their duty, to become cold and indifferent, and lose their faith.
(Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 7:42.)
Repeated assurances have been given regarding the benefits and blessings of positive responses to adversity, however undeserved… . Spiritual refinement may be realized in the furnace of affliction. (See 1 Ne. 20:10.) Thereby we may be prepared to experience personal and direct contact with God.
In modern revelation we are instructed, “Sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him …” (D&C 88:68). Ancient prophets teach us that “when he shall appear, … we shall see him as he is … [and] be purified even as he is pure” (Moro. 7:48; see also 1 Jn. 3:2).
The Lord’s own way of preparing us to see him as he is may well include the refining furnace of affliction… . Without adversity, we may tend to forget the divine purpose of mortality and live our lives focused on the transitory things of the world.
Should we therefore desire or seek to experience adversity and suffering? No! May we appropriately try to avoid it? Yes! Is it proper to ask for relief? Yes, always adding, in accordance with the Savior’s example, “nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39).
There are encouragement and comfort in knowing that we will not be tested beyond our capacity to endure, that we will benefit from our adversities, and that the resources and circumstances necessary for us to do so will be provided. (See 1 Cor. 10:13.)
(Ronald E. Poelman, Ensign, May 1989, 24.)