Saturday, February 21, 2009

No One Wants Adversity

"It is so hard when sincere prayer about something we desire very much is not answered the way we want. It is especially difficult when the Lord answers no to that which is worthy and would give us great joy and happiness. Whether it be overcoming illness or loneliness, recovery of a wayward child, coping with a handicap, or seeking continuing life for a dear one who is slipping away, it seems so reasonable and so consistent with our happiness to have a favorable answer. It is hard to understand why our exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not bring the desired result. No one wants adversity. Trials, disappointments, sadness, and heartache come to us from two basically different sources. Those who transgress the laws of God will always have those challenges. The other reason for adversity is to accomplish the Lord's own purposes in our life that we may receive the refinement that comes from testing. It is vitally important for each of us to identify from which of these two sources come our trials and challenges, for the corrective action is very different."Richard G. Scott, "Trust in the Lord," Ensign, Nov. 1995

16 comments:

Kim said...

Heidi,
Thank you for sharing that. Whatever if was we knew in the pre-existance must have been so overpoweringly wonderful that we absolutly wanted to come to this earth to face those tests and trials that would bring us back to God.

Our fatih is what sustains us through those trials. Faith not only to believe in Christ but to BELIEVE Him. Faith is so much easier to write,read, or talk about than it is to excercise at times.

The Johnson Fam said...

Heidi,
Quotes such a the one you shared do give a greater understanding and perspective. Thanks for sharing. I've struggled recently and wondered "why" about some things in my life. A quote in February's Ensign said: "If He deprives us of any present blessing, it is that he may bestow upon us greater and more glorious ones by-and-by." I'm so thankful for these truths that keep us plugging along. I love you,

Aunt Rhondy

Bridget said...

Thank you. It seems so simple and yet so profound. I really like this quote and the one your aunt shared.

Trish said...

That's a great quote. There is a fantastic talk on the subject titled "When my prayers seem unanswered" by S. Michael Wilcox. You can listen to or watch it here:
http://www.byub.org/findatalk/details.asp?ID=5431

Brittanie said...

This is one of my favorite talks ever. I love you!

Greg and Heidi said...

Love that passage. I hope you are hanging in there. You are amazing. Liz has mentioned what a support you have been and how thoughtful you are. I love that you are able to help others from you trial. That shows how strong you are.
Heidi

Cyn said...

Thanks! I needed that!

Dennison Family said...

Thank you for sharing. It helps to have a reminder about what we are going through and the reason for it. I completely agree that it does seem a righteous desire to have our babies get well and only faith and Heavenly Father will be able to tell us why. Thanks for reminding me!!

lundgrenville said...

Thank you for sharing such profound words of wisdom. It was much needed and appreciated.
You continue to be in our prayers.
Give hugs to those darling toe heads.
Hugs-

Suz said...

Okay... so you don't know me. I found your blog through Jenny Player. I read your blog. I Cry with you. I Pray for you often. And how I wish that you had little Jersey here. Some things just really stink.
But when I read this post it moved me to a story I recently read about a lady who wanted to know the process of refining silver. As in "the refiner's fire" She went to a refiner and interviewed him on the process.... The refiner told her that you started with the silver... full of impurities and muck... You put it in the fire and let it get so hot that the impurities dripped away from it. He told her that if you leave it in even a second too long then you will ruin the silver. She asked, "then how do you know when it is done?" The refiner said, "when I can see my image in it."
Somehow I believe that in years to come... maybe not until the eternities... but ahead of you that you might look back and see how your story touched others... and the life of one little very sweet angel made a difference by only existing for a short month in a hospital bed. And you and yours have been an avenue for Christ to touch so many hearts....because we depended upon Him to get your family through this. And I hope you find the strength to make it to that day when you recognize how much you shined in such a dark hour of your life.
You're strength is incredible.
Gods speed.

Brittany said...

It took me a long time to 'accept' the doctrinal quotes. I WANTED to wallow in my grief. I WANTED to feel the raw heart ache and pain. But alas, I would have broken in two. I had to give up some of the pain and focus on the doctrine, its promises, and blessings (whatever they may be) in order to make it through one more day.

Thanks for sharing

Brooke and Brett Martin said...

Hi Anderson family. I check in on you from time to time, as my heart still aches for you. I love your quotes, thoughts, and feelings as I know expressing these things are all so theraputic right now. I hope you are finding strength and growth from this hard trial. I had the privilege of attending the funeral of baby Gunner this past Friday. Jen Larson told me she talked to you about adding Sunni to your Angel blog. I hope she finds comfort at this time as you have. I imagine you have unbearable moments and you just take it hour by hour. Please know I think about you often. And thanks for being an example to so many.
xoxo

Nicole said...

Thinking of your family a lot today, since it is a special Jersey day. Happy three month birthday Jersey Girl! Hope you all are well and having a good day. I hope to see you soon.

Diane Arnett Gardiner said...

A good friend needed this badly. Thank you for sharing it so i could get it to her. you are amazing

Jessica said...

Hi.
I just wanted to say that I am so touched by your blog and especially by the story of your beautiful daughter. It amazes me that a family could be so strong and faithful to trust Heavenly Father's plan and have the knowledge that you will be together again someday. She must be so proud of you.

On a lighter note... I saw you at Disneyland! If you noticed a girl in a wheelchair looking at you (Sorry, I wasn't meaning to be rude) near the Matterhorn, it was me. It was so nice to see your family happy and enjoying each other so much.

You inspire me.

Jessica

The Richins Family said...

Heidi, I've met you a couple of times. last time i met you was a girls' get together when brittanie came down from connecticut at mandis' house.
(a little introduction of myself)
I was reading Kelyns' blog and during one of her posts she mentioned about your jersey girl and so i read your blog. i have been so moved by your blog. you have so much strength and courage. i am in awe. i love to read your blog. thank you for posting and sharing that quote. I think your baby girl is so proud of you. you seem so put together and are such a good mommy. i think about you so often. thank you for being such a great example to me to become a better mother. i pray for you and your family daily that you will find comfort soon. with love, jenny richins