God knows, not I, the reason why
His winds of storm drive through my door;

I am content to live or die
Just knowing this, nor knowing more.

My Father’s hand appointing me
My days and ways, so I am free.

 

The bad thing about this illustration is that in real life the process does not work this smoothly. The better way to portray this process would be to have the line going all over the screen--it goes down a little bit, and it moves forward and up a little bit, and then it drops somewhat, and eventually it goes to the next level and begins dipping again. So we need to agree that, although this illustration is better than boxes on the board, it has some inaccuracies as well. But it does show how the levels of faith escalate. You never totally move beyond faith as hope; it is not a box we check off and say, "I am done." Rather, we begin again and gain experience with a new principle. It spirals upward as a helix, building and continuing. Here is how that occurs. We move from level of faith to level of faith through desire, a willingness to experiment and act, and then receiving a spiritual confirmation as evidence of things not seen. This process and experience bolster our faith. Consequently, we exhibit an increased willingness to experiment and receive an even greater confirmation. Our confidence waxes stronger, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.

Having an unusually large goal is an adrenaline infusion that provides the endurance to overcome the inevitable trials and tribulations that go along with any goal. Realistic goals, goals restricted to the average ambition level, are uninspiring and will only fuel you through through the first or second problem, at which point you throw in the towel. If the potential payoff is mediocre or average, so is your effort.

“As you sit side by side through this roller coaster of life,
remember to scream from the peaks,
hold hands through the depths,
laugh through the loops,
& enjoy every twist and turn.”
-Ashley Zarlin

I have a conviction deep down in my heart that we are exactly what we should be, each one of us, except as we may have altered that pattern by deviating from the laws of God here in mortality. I have convinced myself that we all have those peculiar attributes, characteristics, and abilities which are essential for us to possess in order that we may fulfil the full purpose of our creation here upon this earth...



...[T]hat allotment which has come to us from God is a sacred allotment. It is something of which we should be proud, each one of us in our own right, and not wish that we had somebody else's allotment. Our greatest success comes from being ourselves.



I think that we can console ourselves best by believing that whatever is our allotment in life... the Lord has been wise and just, and I might add, merciful, in giving to us that which we need to accomplish the particular purpose of our call.

When we are working for the Lord, the obstacles in front of us are never as great as the power behind us.

When at times trouble comes upon us, and we feel almost given up to despair, and think we have been deserted by friends, let us think of the heavenly companions whom God has assigned to us; who indeed, would reveal themselves to our eyes but for lack of faith. Let us read again and ponder over the wonderful experience of the prophet of old, who, with but a single earthly companion the servant who was with him found himself surrounded by the army of a wicked king. (See 2 Kings vi:15-17). In fear, seeing escape by human agency to be entirely impossible, Elisha's servant cried out, "Alas, my master, how shall we do?" But the prophet answered, "Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." And then Elisha prayed that the Lord would open the young man's eyes, and the servant saw that the mountains were covered with horses and chariots and hosts of angels sent to protect the prophet of God, whose time has not yet come.

No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character [to do so]. He is an unchangeable being; the same yesterday, the same today, and He will be the same throughout the eternal ages to come. We have found that God. We have made Him our friend, by obeying His Gospel; and He will stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep His commandments.

My beloved young friends, I know of no other way for you to succeed or to be happy or to be safe. I know of no other way for you to be able to carry your burdens or find what Jacob called "that happiness which is prepared for the saints" (2 Nephi 9:43). That is why we make solemn covenants based on Christ's atoning sacrifice, and that is why we take upon us his name. In as many ways as possible, both figuratively and literally, we try to take upon us his identity. We seek out his teachings and retell his miracles. We send latter-day witnesses, including prophets, apostles, and missionaries, around the world to declare his message. We call ourselves his children, and we testify that he is the only source of eternal life. We plead for him to swing open the gates of heaven in our behalf and trust everlastingly that he will, based upon our faithfulness.