Chapter 13: Tribulation

"...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Romans 5:3-5

"...in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

This week was one of tribulation, on my part and on the part of the people I am teaching. As I've discussed previously, and as I am sure you all know, life can be quite difficult sometimes. Some of the people who I am teaching reached some critical lows this week, and so did I at times. When we are presented with such trying times, we have a choice: we can either glory in our tribulations, or we can choose to respond negatively to them. This week, I quite honestly chose to respond negatively, and as I reflect on this I see how differently things could have been for the better if I had chosen to glory in the hardship—to own it and to embrace the fight, helping me to develop patience, experience, and hope. I know that if I had done that, I would've been a more effective tool in God's hand in sharing his love to others.

So how can we choose to glory in our tribulations? I believe it comes with enhanced perspective. When we are faced with hardship and trials and situations that just weigh us down, we simply must choose to see the bigger picture and not be sucked into the depressing ideology that there is no hope and all is lost. I need to be better at that.

Christ has overcome all tribulation, hardship, and pain. Because of this, he commands us to be of good cheer. We don't need to lie about our mistakes, we don't need to try and hide our hardships, but rather we should face them head on and turn more fully and more humbly to the Savior Jesus Christ.

He is there; the price is paid. Come unto Him.

Life is good.

God is wise.

Never give up.

Elder Childers

Last District Pday—the boys

Last District Pday—all of us

Last District Council

Exchanges with ZLs Elder Lyons and Elder Rich—such a good experience, love them.

Elder Logan and I on our last full day together before exchanges and he leaves to Delaware.

Me at the Pagoda for the music video I was a part of! If you didn't get to see it, go check it out it's totally cool.