Divine Purposes

It is easy to get discouraged in life, especially when trials come.  It is easy to ask, "why" & to give in to despair.  However, it is also easy to put our faith in the Savior.  Believe His promises to us.  These two scriptures have always been a strength to me:

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." - Ether 12:4 

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

When I was reading The Miracle of Forgiveness, something that President Kimball said stuck out to me: "Always the road is marked by divine purpose." In other words, all things happen for a reason.

When my sister died, I was blessed with having the faith of a child.  I was nine-years-old, & although I struggled & missed my sister more than words can say, I put my faith & trust in the Savior & the promise that families truly can be together forever.  There have been many times when I felt confused & begged to know why Sarah was taken from us.  People said that God must have needed her more in heaven.  I tried to wrap my mind around that, but then I would get angry & be full of grief. How was it possible for God to need her more than I did?  He was God & could bear anything, whereas I was just human & needed my sister.  But then again, perhaps others were right - perhaps there was a reason why Sarah was taken to the other side of the veil when she was.  All things happen according to God's plan.  I was comforted by the promise that God is aware of us &, if living righteously, would not take anyone from this life until it was their time.

I wonder if I hadn't been young when Sarah died & had the childlike faith to cope with the grief & pain, if I would have had the faith & strength necessary to deal with my miscarriage & years of infertility later on. Knowing of the Plan of Salvation, truly having a testimony that was built on personal experience in younger years, prepared me to rise above the grief of being a childless mother later.

I have an unyielding faith in my Savior & His divine guidance in our lives.  He is in the details, & if we let Him, He will bring peace to our souls.  We can be strengthened in Him.  We can hope & have joy in Him & His divine purpose for us.