Overcoming Adversity

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us how to stand fast through trials.

Throughout his life the Prophet Joseph Smith was no stranger to adversity. He endured illness, injury, persecution, the loss of loved ones, and many other hardships. Through all of his trials he remained steadfast and true to the Lord, and he taught the Saints how to bear their difficulties. Here are some of Joseph Smith’s teachings on overcoming adversity.*

We Prove Ourselves through Trials

“[Jehovah] will not deliver us unless we prove ourselves faithful to him in the severest trouble. For he that will have his robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb must come up through great tribulation [see Revelation 7:13–14], even the greatest of all affliction.”

“Men have to suffer that they may come upon Mount Zion and be exalted above the heavens.”

Trust in the Lord

“The power of the Gospel will enable us to stand and bear with patience the great affliction that is falling upon us on all sides.”

“My only hope and confidence is in that God who gave me being. … He is my comforter, and he forsaketh me not.”

“Having confidence in the power, wisdom, and love of God, the Saints have been enabled to go forward through the most adverse circumstances.”

“Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are.”

George A. Smith once received counsel from the Prophet: “He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last.”

If Father Will Hold Me by Liz Lemon Swindle