This is truely an amazing talk given by Elder David A. Bednar just this last sunday:
http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/ces-devotionals/2013/01?lang=eng&vid=2201224691001
At times when trial rises, we may question why. It may try our faith and just when we've been keeping the commandments and doing everything the Lord has asked of us, these trials can happen. It is easy to forget the will of our Father, to remember that He knows what's best for us. It can be hard to trust in Him and know that through our trials we become stronger, more capable people.
In times of adversity we may shrink, we may question if we will ever feel happiness and peace again. I'm sure a lot of these questions ran through Joseph Smith's head as he was in Liberty Jail. The 122nd section of the Doctrine and Covenants tells of the full revelation given, but I want to focus on versus 7 and 9.
7. And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
9. .... fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.
I've learned through my own experiences that we can never learn enough patience. We all have our own different strengths and weaknesses, but none of us will be completely perfect until we first recognize those weaknesses, then do something about them. Ether speaks of this:
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them (Ether 12:27)."
We are not alone. We have friends and family, and above all we have the mercy of Jesus Christ, who "suffered these things for all, that [we] might not suffer (D&C 19:16)." For "surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities... and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5)."
We might not always know the will of the Lord. We might not always know His plan for us, but it is my firm testimony that I know we are given trials that we might learn and grow and become more like Christ. When my oldest brother Ross died I often questioned why. For a long time it weighed heavily on my heart and I was upset and angry with God. It made sense why God did it, but it just didn't make sense why He did it the way He did. I prayed to my Father in Heaven fervently in prayer for many months and realize that it was a strength to our family as a whole. It's made me closer to my mom and dad, and most importantly my other brother. It's strenghtened my testimony of the Plan of Salvation and truely has made it come to life for me. I know I'll see Ross again. It's not a belief, it's not a hope or idea made up for comfort or restitution, but a complete and true knowledge that I will undoubtedly see him again. While I still miss him so very much, i've received so many blessings from this trial.
I know the atonement of Jesus Christ is real, that He felt every pain any one of us has or ever will feel, male or female, black or white. If we completely and truely put our trust in Him and fully submit to His will and have faith in Him, no matter what may come about, He will provide a way. He will be our Supporting guide and will make us stronger from the trials we face. I know these things to be true.
Also watch this video, it's very good and applies to this topic:
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#the-will-of-god
