WHY?

 If we have suffocating trials it can mean 2 things. Disobedience, or the Lord recognizes that we are prepared enough to progress. 

Yesterday we had a lesson with a Mother of 2 little girls who have had a life full of trials. We read 3 Nephi 11 with her and a member sister. She tried to turn to God and a church many years ago, but she had an awful experience and it turned her away from God. Now as we read the words of the Savior Jesus Christ in the American continent to the Nephites, we asked her, "What would you ask, say, and do if you had the chance to be with Jesus such as these people?"

Tears filled her eyes as she expressed the feelings of her heart, that she would ask him why. Why has she had to suffer so much? If he was such a loving God whywould he not intervene? 

Even though I can't understand the pain of this woman I testified of the love of a Heavenly Father. The why we have trials. The why we came to the earth. And why the divine plan brought to pass through the love-motivated sacrifice of Jesus Christ can help us understand the most important whyin spite of all the why's we can't understand here.

The most important WHY is LOVE.

Why do I keep the commandments?

Why am I an obedient missionary?

Why do you have patience with your spouse when it's hard?

Why do you smile or give a compliment to those around you every day?

Why do you wake up a couple minutes earlier to kneel at your bedside every morning?

Because I love Jesus.

The Love of the Savior and his spirit helps us understand the why.

D&C 58:29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.

The gospel does not benefit us if we have a doubtful heart.

2 Nephi 26:24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.

I still struggle much with this. With having a heart full of love, willing to emulate the name of Christ in my acts and words. Nevertheless, I testify to anyone who reads these words that even more powerfully than the love of my angel parents, the love of Jesus has changed me. 

I would absolutely love to read your thoughts and hear the why of your discipleship.

Love, Elder Wastlund