Week 2: Luke 22:42

In all of the pain and turmoil we go through, sometimes it's hard to find peace and comfort.  

I always find it hard to have faith when I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel.  When I think about faith, I sometimes make the mistake of thinking that it is the act of trusting in God, that He will give you what you are praying for.  This week I've rewired my brain to think differently.  Faith, for me, is knowing God's will and being at peace with it.

As cliché as it sounds, God has a plan.  He knows us and knows what we need.  His timing is not a coincidence.  When we learn to trust in God's timing, I know that we'll be happy, even if our world seems to be crashing down.

I listened to a talk by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, called Grateful in Any Circumstances.  He talks about having a grateful heart no matter what our circumstances are.

"It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God.  But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding... When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation.  In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise.  In pain, we can glory in Christ's Atonement.  In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heaven's embrace."

I know that life is not easy, and sometimes there's nothing we can do about it.  However, if we put our faith in God, believe that everything will work out, and always have a grateful heart, we will be happy.

"If you do your best, it will all work out.  Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.  The Lord will not forsake us." - President Gordon B. Hinckley

Have a great week, and remember that God loves you with an infinite love.

Much love,

Elder Poulsen