In the book of Revelation, John describes a large and diverse gathering of individuals at the throne of God, all of them wearing white robes. A heavenly being asks John, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence are they?” John responds, “Sir, thou knowest.” And the heavenly being replies:
These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Revelation 7:14-17
The breathtaking blessings enjoyed by these people may distract us from the first part of the angel’s reply. Presumably in answer to the question, “Whence are they?” He explains, “These are they which came out of great tribulation.” Their joy has a backstory. The pain they have experienced is an important part of who they are. Of course they had experienced great tribulation, or they would have had no tears for God to wipe away!
Referencing these verses, Sister Michelle D. Craig taught, “Troubles are part of the plan and do not mean you’ve been abandoned; they are part of what it means to be His” (“Wholehearted,” General Conference, October 2022). And Elder Matthew S. Holland said, “Suffering in righteousness helps qualify you for, rather than distinguishes you from, God’s elect. And it makes their promises your promises” (“The Exquisite Gift of the Son,” General Conference, October 2020).
The Book of Mormon prophet Alma challenged us to think about the company we’d like to keep in the next life. He asked us to think about how it would feel to stand the presence of God with robes that have not been “washed white,” that are covered with stains. He asked, “Do ye suppose that such an one can have a place to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless, pure and white?” (Alma 5:24).
In 1834, Joseph Smith and his associates prepared a series of lectures used for training missionaries and church leaders. In one of these lectures, they made the following sobering assertion:
It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him.
Lectures on Faith 6:8
I don’t think they were suggesting that everyone must endure the exact same trials in order to receive God’s greatest blessings. As Howard W. Hunter observed, “Every individual person has a particular set of challenges that sometimes seem to be earmarked for us individually” (“An Anchor to the Souls of Men,” Brigham Young University Devotional Address, 7 February 1993).
But I do think they were teaching us that trials are part of the package. This life was never intended to be a relaxing vacation, a refreshing way-station along the path to eternal life. We were meant to be stretched, challenged, and tested in a variety of ways. A “probationary state” (Alma 12:24, Alma 42:4, 10, 13) is by design uncomfortable. It is intentionally difficult, both to show us what we’re made of and to help us to become more than we currently are. God’s grace will strengthen us to face those challenges, but it won’t remove all of them, because they are an essential part of why we are here.
Today, I will remember that everyone who has received God’s greatest blessings has endured difficult times. When life is hard, I will remember that I am in good company. I will continue to rely on the Savior, with faith that He will help me endure and overcome every challenge so that I can one day join that great multitude in white robes at the throne of God.
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