Study Guide for "Tested, Proved, and Polished"

In his talk, "Tested, Proved, and Polished", President Henry B. Eyring discusses the purpose and value of trials in our lives. He emphasizes that trials are an integral part of God’s plan for our growth and eternal happiness. He illustrates this principle through personal experiences and scriptural references, and he offers comfort and guidance for enduring trials faithfully.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

Why does President Eyring say that trials are a part of God's plan?
What comfort and guidance does President Eyring offer for enduring trials?
What examples does President Eyring use to illustrate the principle of enduring trials faithfully?
How does President Eyring describe the Savior's role in our trials and tribulations?
What changes can occur in us as we faithfully endure trials?

Topics

Understanding the Purpose of Trials

President Eyring explains that trials are a part of God's plan for our spiritual growth. By facing and overcoming trials, we prove ourselves able and willing to choose the right, even when it is hard. This process helps us to become more like God.

That purpose was to give His children the opportunity to prove themselves able and willing to choose the right when it is hard. In so doing, their natures would be changed and they could become more like Him.

“And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;

What does President Eyring mean when he says that trials give us the opportunity to prove ourselves?
How do trials help us to become more like God?
Reflect on a trial you are currently facing or have faced in the past. How did or can this trial help you become more like God?
How can you better embrace trials as opportunities to prove yourself?

The Savior's Role in Our Trials

President Eyring teaches that the Savior, Jesus Christ, knows and understands our trials because He has suffered all things. He is our comforter and guide during trials, and while He may not always remove our burdens, He will give us strength, comfort, and hope.

He suffered what you suffer so that He would know how to lift you up. He may not remove the burden, but He will give you strength, comfort, and hope. He knows the way. He drank the bitter cup. He endured the suffering of all.

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

What does President Eyring teach about the Savior's role in our trials?
How does the Savior provide strength, comfort, and hope during trials?
How have you felt the Savior's comfort and strength during your trials?
What steps can you take to draw closer to the Savior during your trials?

The Blessings of Faithful Endurance

President Eyring emphasizes that as we faithfully endure trials, we can experience a change in our natures. We can grow in spiritual cleanliness and stature, our hearts can soften, our confidence in the Lord can increase, and our fears can decrease.

The greatest blessing that will come when we prove ourselves faithful to our covenants during our trials will be a change in our natures. By our choosing to keep our covenants, the power of Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement can work in us. Our hearts can be softened to love, to forgive, and to invite others to come unto the Savior. Our confidence in the Lord increases. Our fears decrease.

What blessings can come from faithfully enduring trials?
How can trials lead to a change in our natures?
Reflect on a time when you experienced a change in your nature as a result of faithfully enduring a trial.
What steps can you take to faithfully endure your current trials and receive these blessings?

Helping Others in Their Trials

President Eyring encourages us to notice the trials of others and offer help, even when we are facing our own trials. He teaches that as we lift others" burdens, our own burdens become lighter and we sense a light in the darkness.

In addition, we must notice the tribulation of others and try to help. That will be especially hard when we are being sorely tested ourselves. But we will discover as we lift another’s burden, even a little, that our backs are strengthened and we sense a light in the darkness.

Why does President Eyring encourage us to help others in their trials?
How does helping others lighten our own burdens?
Reflect on a time when you helped someone else during their trial. How did this experience impact you?
Who in your life is currently facing a trial? How can you help them?

Becoming Polished Through Trials

President Eyring concludes by expressing gratitude for faithful members who endure trials with steady faith. He shares a personal story about his mother's trials and how they polished her, making her more like the Savior. He encourages us to persevere in our trials, knowing that they are polishing us to become more like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I have seen people rise to great heights through proving faithful in terrible trials. Across the Church today are examples. People are driven to their knees by adversity. By their faithful endurance and effort, they become more like the Savior and our Heavenly Father.

“Some of you may wonder why Mildred had to suffer so much and so long. I will tell you why. It was because the Lord wanted to polish her a little more.”

What does it mean to be "polished" through trials?
How can trials help us to become more like the Savior and our Heavenly Father?
Reflect on how your trials have polished you to become more like the Savior and Heavenly Father.
How can you better embrace your trials as polishing experiences?