We Can Do Hard Things through Him
Isaac K. Morrison, of the Seventy
Elder Isaac K. Morrison describes the challenges his family faced and how they found strength and growth through faith in Jesus Christ.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What personal experience does Elder Morrison share about facing adversity?
- How does Elder Morrison relate his experiences to scriptural teachings?
- What lessons does Elder Morrison share about the power of faith during challenging times?
- What does Elder Morrison teach about the blessings of temple covenants and the law of sacrifice?
- How does Elder Morrison describe the role of the Savior and the Atonement in overcoming challenges?
Topics
Understanding the Purpose of Life's Challenges
Elder Morrison discusses how challenges in life can come from various sources and can be golden opportunities for growth. He cites the Savior’s teaching that some trials are meant for the works of God to be made manifest.
While some challenges may come because of willful disobedience, we know that many of life’s challenges come because of other reasons. Whatever the source of our challenges, they can be a golden opportunity to grow.
The Savior’s firm, loving, and sincere answer reassures us that He is mindful of our struggles: "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."
- What does Elder Morrison teach about the purpose of life's challenges?
- How does the Savior's response to his disciples" question about the blind man relate to our understanding of trials?
- How have you seen challenges in your life as opportunities for growth?
- How can you better recognize the hand of God in your trials?
Heeding Spiritual Promptings
Elder Morrison shares a personal tragedy that taught him the importance of heeding spiritual promptings, particularly those from his wife. He emphasizes the need to listen and respond to such promptings.
My wife felt repeated impressions that something might be wrong. She asked me to check on the children while we were washing the dishes. I felt they were safe since we could hear their voices of excitement from their play.
Rule 1: Listen to and heed the promptings of your wife. Rule 2: If you are not sure for any reason, refer to rule number 1.
- What lesson did Elder Morrison learn about heeding spiritual promptings?
- Why does Elder Morrison emphasize the importance of listening to his wife's promptings?
- How have you experienced the importance of heeding spiritual promptings in your own life?
- What actions can you take to be more receptive to spiritual promptings?
Finding Strength and Peace through the Savior and His Atonement
Elder Morrison testifies of the peace and strength that come from focusing on the Savior and His Atonement during difficult times. He emphasizes that Christ's love and the Atonement can help us endure whatever trials we face in mortality.
We can be of good cheer and be filled with peace in our tough times. The love we feel because of the Savior and His Atonement becomes a powerful resource to us in our trying moments.
He commanded, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." He can help us endure whatever pain, sickness, and trials we face in mortality.
- What does Elder Morrison teach about the role of the Savior and His Atonement in enduring trials?
- How does focusing on the Savior and His Atonement bring peace and strength during difficult times?
- How have you experienced the peace and strength that come from the Savior and His Atonement during trials?
- What steps can you take to more fully rely on the Savior and His Atonement during challenging times?
Growing through Difficulties
Elder Morrison discusses how facing challenges can lead to personal growth and increased discipleship. He shares how his own trials have taught him valuable lessons and prepared him for the future.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I realize I have learned some of my best lessons during the hardest times in my life, times that took me out of my comfort zone.
The more I cheerfully respond to difficult circumstances with faith in the Lord, the more I grow in my discipleship.
- How does Elder Morrison describe the relationship between facing difficulties and personal growth?
- What lessons has Elder Morrison learned from his own trials?
- How have you grown through the difficulties you've faced in your life?
- What lessons have you learned from your own trials?
Experiencing the Blessings of Temple Covenants and the Law of Sacrifice
Elder Morrison testifies of the blessings of temple covenants and the law of sacrifice. He shares how these covenants have brought him comfort and blessings, particularly in the face of personal tragedy.
We came to feel united and bound by our temple covenants; we know we can claim Kenneth as ours in the next world because he was born in the covenant.
One of the covenants we make with the Lord in the temple is to live the law of sacrifice. Sacrifice has always been part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a reminder of the great atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ for all who have lived or will live on earth.
- What does Elder Morrison teach about the blessings of temple covenants and the law of sacrifice?
- How have these covenants brought comfort and blessings to Elder Morrison in the face of personal tragedy?
- How have temple covenants and the law of sacrifice brought you comfort and blessings in your life?
- What actions can you take to more fully live the covenants you have made in the temple?
