6 Talks to Give You Strength in Trials




Adversity is a persistent part of mortality and something that all people, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, will surely face in this life. In times of suffering, pain, and heartache, it is easy to lose hope and let our challenges overcome us. Yet, as we turn to the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ and trust in God and His plan for us, we can find strength, courage, and hope.

Below are six talks that I have found particularly meaningful as I have struggled through my own personal trials and adversity.


1. Finding a Safe Harbor by Joseph B. Wirthlin

Elder Wirthlin teaches of the peace that comes by turning to Jesus Christ during times of trial.

“Many today feel troubled and distressed; many feel that, at any moment, the ships of their lives could capsize or sink…. Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations…. Draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ. Be of good cheer. Keep the faith. Doubt not. The storms will one day be stilled.”



2. The Infinite Power of Hope by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

President Uchtdorf teaches how putting our hope in God and his goodness can give us courage through our challenges.

“Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed, there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light. We hope in Jesus the Christ, in the goodness of God, in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that prayers are heard and answered…. This type of hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges and gives strength to those who feel threatened by enclosing walls of fear, doubt, and despair.”


3. The Refiner’s Fire by James E. Faust

President Faust speaks of the refining power of adversity and how we can use our trials to become new, stronger “creatures”.

“In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we pass through a refiner’s fire, and the insignificant and the unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong. In this way the divine image can be mirrored from the soul. It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd…. Trials and adversity can be preparatory to becoming born anew. A rebirth out of spiritual adversity causes us to become new creatures.”



Elder Abrea describes how being patient in afflictions will ultimately lead to comfort and peace in this life and in the life to come.

“Tribulation, afflictions, and trials will constantly be with us in our sojourn here in this segment of eternity…. Patience in affliction and adversity means to persist firmly and never forsake that which we know to be true…. I know that even in times of affliction and tribulation, if we patiently endure in faith, blessings of comfort and hope will come into our lives, and we will be able to partake of that “incomprehensible joy” of which Ammon and his brothers received.”


5. Give Thanks in All Things by Dallin H. Oaks

Elder Oaks teaches that giving thanks during times of trial will help us maintain an eternal perspective and rise above our challenges.

“When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life. We are sent here to be tested. There must be opposition in all things. We are meant to learn and grow through that opposition, through meeting our challenges, and through teaching others to do the same…. The Lord will not only consecrate our afflictions for our gain, but He will use them to bless the lives of countless others.”


6. Answers to Life’s Questions by M. Russell Ballard

Elder Ballard outlines how studying the plan of salvation can help us to answer the difficult questions of this life and renew our faith through adversity.

“Life’s most challenging questions seem to be those that begin with the word why. ‘Why is life so hard?’ ‘Why is there so much sorrow, hate, and unhappiness in the world?’ ‘Why does death take the young?’ And ‘why must the innocent suffer?’ We all have wrestled with such questions from time to time as we struggle with the vicissitudes of mortality…. The only satisfying answers to such questions come from the comforting perspective of faith in our Heavenly Father and his eternal plan for our happiness.”


Joseph Harrison is a proud new father and the husband of an incredible and accomplished wife. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and worked for several years in management consulting before coming to Texas A&M, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in strategic management. He also has experience working with youth as a tutor and personal mentor. His passions include his family, serving others, teaching, and college football.