God uses adversity to bring about His purposes. Though this pandemic is neither wanted nor expected, God has prepared His children and His Church for this time.
“We will endure this, yes. But we will do more than simply grit our teeth, hold on and wait for things to return to the old normal. We will move forward, and we will be better as a result.”
Men and women are like seeds, and for seeds to reach their potential, they must be buried before they can sprout. “It is my witness that though at times we may feel buried by the trials of life, or surrounded by emotional darkness, the love of God and the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will bring something unimaginable to spring forth.”
Every dispensation has faced times of trial and hardship, with twofold learnings. The righteous are not given a free pass that allows them to avoid the valleys of shadow. Also, Heavenly Father knows all suffering and will not abandon His children.
“God will watch over and shepherd you during these times of uncertainty and fear. He knows you. He hears your pleas. He is faithful and dependable. He will fulfill His promises.
“God has something unimaginable in mind for you personally and the Church collectively — a marvelous work and a wonder.”
This is the Lord’s work. He invites all to find His ways of doing it — and those ways may differ from past experiences.
“As an apostle of the Lord, I invite and bless you to ‘cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power; and then may [you] stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed’ (Doctrine and Covenants 123:7). And I promise that the Lord will cause unimaginable things to come from your righteous labors.”
