15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
I understand the need to submit “with patience” to the will of the Lord. One of the requirements to overcome the natural man is that we be “willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us]” (Mosiah 3:19). The hard part for me is to submit “cheerfully.”
Elder Neal A. Maxwell reminded us that the Savior not only endured the agony of the Atonement, but He “endured it well.” He “partook of history’s bitterest cup without becoming bitter.” While He suffered on the cross, He turned outward, asking John to care for His mother and giving encouragement to one of the thieves crucified with Him (“Enduring Well,” Ensign, April 1997). Even though He was in agony, He continued to act in faith and to show love for those around Him. His perfect example teaches us how we should face our own smaller trials and challenges.
I don’t think we have to pretend to be happy when we aren’t, but I do think that we ought to make choices which will lead to joy, even when we are in difficult circumstances. We can turn outward as the Savior did and serve our brothers and sisters. We can give thanks for the blessings we currently enjoy, even as we wait for relief from our trials. Today, I will submit, cheerfully and with patience, to all the will of the Lord.
Leave a Reply