The Value of Adversity

It is in moments of disappointment, heartache, and loneliness that we often make the decisions that forge our faith, mold our character, and fortify our convictions. How can we know if we are truly honest unless our honesty is put to the test? How can we know we are virtuous unless there are opportunities to choose a non-virtuous path that we then resist? How do we know we have the strength to bear up under challenges unless we have trials and adversity?
Many years ago, I made some poor decisions that put me in a precarious situation. I tried all I could do to remedy the problem but to no avail. Finally I turned to my father and brother who traveled a good distance to take me back home. By rescuing me, my father and brother had done something for me that I could not do for myself.
Each one of us travels our life-path and at times needs to be rescued - rescued from loneliness and heartache, from despair and disillusionment, from consequences of innocent mistakes, and from blatant sin. Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ have rescued us more times than we are aware. As my earthly father and brother came to my rescue, so our Heavenly Father and Brother do for us, what we cannot do for ourselves. Over 100 times in the scriptures, the Lord promises to be with us during our times of need.
"Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him, and I will sup with him and he with me." (Rev. 3:20)
If you have doubts, read the story of Elisha, a great prophet who lived during a time when Israel was at war with Syria. He performed many miracles and acted as a great speaker for the Lord. While preparing to go to war, Elisha's servant had seen the massive army of Syrian soldiers who surrounded the city by night. When he reported back to Elisha, Elisha told the servant not to be afraid, because "....they that be with us are more than they that be with them". And Elisha prayed to God to open the servants spiritual eyes and when He did, the servant saw "the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha". (2 Kings 6)
We too have the hosts of Heaven assisting us in our times of need. Though our natural eyes cannot see them, they are there. Hope is the anchor of the soul, it keeps us from drifting aimlessly. We are sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven. Great strength comes in remembering who we are.
Slavery has been a great tragedy throughout history, but the most terrible, far reaching aspect was in making the slaves forget their true identity. "The cruelest thing you can do to a human being is to make him forget that he or she is the son or daughter of a king." (Truman G. Madsen)
The closer we grow to our Heavenly Father, the more clear and complete our vision because of who we really are, who we have always been, and who we may become. If we do not have a clear sense of our identity and purpose, we are much more vulnerable to hopelessness and despair.
I know that the light of Jesus Christ is stronger than any kind of darkness we face here; that we each have a purpose; that understanding who we are and who we have always been is central to our mortal success and eternal progression. As difficult a challenge as mortality is, we are not alone in our struggles.