Lesson Recap for Feb 24th

The lesson on 2-24-13 given by Karin Alexander was taken from two 2012 general conference talks.  The first was by Elder Henry B Eyring "Where Is the Pavilion."  The second talk by Elder Neil L Anderson "Trial of Your Faith."  Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial or our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened.

Karin began with this from President Eyring.  "Many of us, in moments of personal anguish, feel that God is far from us.  The pavilion that seems to intercept divine aid does not cover God but occasionally covers us.  God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible.  Our own desires, rather than a feeling of "Thy will be done," create the feeling of a pavilion blocking God.  God is not unable to see us or communicate with us, but we may be unwilling to listen or submit to His will and His time."

The apostle Peter defined our challenges as a "trial of your faith."  In 1Peter 1:7 it reads "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honourand glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 

We then discussed several ways in which our faith is tested and the ways in which we can remain steadfast in our faith.

Trials of our faith:

1.    loss of a loved one

2.    inactive family members

3.    illness or injury

4.    job loss

5.    divorce

How to remain steadfast and immovable:

1.    serve others

2.    do not fear

3.    pray for understanding and clarity

4.    study and ponder the scriptures

5.    consider the Lord's timetable

6.    stay close to fellow saints

Elder Anderson stated "It is within the sanctuary of the church that we protect our faith.  Meeting together with others who believe, we pray and find answers to our prayers; we worship through music, share testimony of the Savior, serve one another, and feel the Spirit of the Lord.  We partake of the sacrament, receive the blessings of the priesthood, and attend the temple.  When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God.  There is always a place for you here.  No trial is so large we can't overcome it together."

In Isaiah 55:8-9 it says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

"With faith come trials of faith, bringing increased faith.  The Lord's comforting assurance to the Prophet Joseph Smith is the very same promise He makes to you in your trial of faith:  Hold on...fear not...for God shall be with you forever and ever." 

May we hold tighter and fear less through the trials of our faith.

Recap by Kris Eddington