No Pain, No Gain

I think it's safe to say that most everyone has heard the phrase, "No pain, no gain." And what a true principle it is. In athletics of almost any kind pain is involved in getting better. In order to get stronger you've got to literally tear your muscles. It hurts. Life hurts.

In the Book of Mormon a father says to his son, "Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain (See 2 Nephi 2:2)." Lehi,  the father here, is teaching his son Jacob that with the Lord on his side, his trials in life will work for his own betterment.

It's easy to talk about having a perspective like that but it's a different story to actually maintain that outlook. So how can we remember that the Lord is willing to help us turn our sorrows into strength??

1. Consistent study of the scriptures. When we read the scriptures we come across verses like the one above that remind us of His ever willingness to help.

2. Consistent prayer. As we communicate often with our Heavenly Father we are able to further develop our relationship with him. As we do so it will become easier to turn to Him instead of trying to shoulder the  burden alone.

3. Serving others. It provides a wonderful perspective to help lift others. In doing so, we are able to be a tool in the hand of God in assisting His children.

I know that as we do those three things we will be strengthened by our hardships and the Lord will consecrate our afflictions for our gain.