Doctrine and Covenants 54-55

(October 19, 2015)

                In a crisis, I tend to look forward with anticipation for the time when the crisis will have passed.  I think of problems as short-term, and generally resolvable (and believe that once they are resolved things will be better).  Honestly, that is foolishness on my part.

                Contrast that view of dealing with tribulations with the one taught by the Lord here.  He doesn’t instruct Newel Knight to be patient in tribulation until they find land in Missouri, or until the Church gains financial solvency, or even until the Saints settle in Salt Lake City and build a huge Conference Center.  These would have alleviated his immediate, short-term problem, but it would obscure the reality of the situation.

                Newel Knight needed to be prepared to deal with tribulation for the rest of his mortal life (and beyond).  The Lord instructed him, even when he was focused on the immediate problem, that he was to be patient in tribulation until the Savior comes again.  I think this is consistent with the obligation of us all.