We all have or yet will face enormous trials and challenges in our lives. This is part of Gods plan to mold and shape us to who he wants us to be. It is a continuing on going process that is not necessarily easy or enjoyable. It may be loss of a job, family member or friend that breaks our hearts. It could be a sickness or disease that seem overwhelm. It may even be a struggling testimony or doubts that push us to our limits. With all of these trials I ask you, where can we turn for peace?
On top of all of our own individual circumstances that we deal with day to day we live in a world that dosen't make anything easier. Paul taught:
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3: 1-5)
Elder Bednar said, " We live in a world that grows increasingly confused and Chaotic - ever more evil and dark." He then quoted comments made by President Packer who said, " The world is spiraling down at an ever quickening pace." Now pay close attention to what he says next. "I am sorry to tell you it will not get better." President Packer continued on to say, " I know of nothing in the history of the Church, or in the history of the World to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds us now. Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places; now they are in the open, and even accorded legal protection. At Sodom and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now, they are spread across the world and they are among us."
Now I am not trying to scare you, but I am simply trying to show you how things really are. In a world like the one we live in, can peace even exist? If so where can we turn to find peace?
At Christmas time we often reflect on the story of the Saviors birth. At the birth of Jesus Christ, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God and proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." ( Luke 2:14) Throughout the Saviors life he went about spreading the peace of the gospel, and working mighty miracles. King Benjamin taught, "And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him." The savior was able to maintain his peace throughout countless persecution, rejection, and the challenges of his time. Elder Cook said that, " It is clear that universal peace did not exist on earth during Christ's mortal ministry and it does not now."
Prophets have declared that peace had been taken from the earth. We will not see World peace until Satan is bound and the long awaited Millennium begins. Where can we turn for peace until then?
Elder Cook said, "We earnestly hope for pray for universal peace, but it is as individuals and families that we achieve the kind of peace that is the promised reward of righteouseness."
In the Doctrine and Covenants we read, "But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward , even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come." ( D&C 59:23)
As we turn to our Savior and follow his example that he has set, we can achieve peace as individuals and families. Through Faith, obedience and Repentance. Next week I will show how faith can help us gain peace in our lives.
Elder Paget
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