Proved and Strengthened in Christ

Embrace Trials as Gifts from the Lord

Elder Eyring shares his personal experience of feeling overwhelmed by academic challenges and how he learned to see these trials as gifts from the Lord, designed to strengthen him through faith in Christ.

I felt Him say to my mind, "I am proving you, but I am also with you."

I learned that my struggle with physics was actually a gift from the Lord.

• Trials are opportunities for spiritual growth.
• The Lord is with us during our trials.
• Faith in Christ enables us to overcome seemingly impossible challenges.

• Reflect on a time when you faced an overwhelming challenge. How did you feel the Lord's presence during that time?
• Consider a trial you are currently experiencing. How might this be a gift from the Lord to strengthen you?
• Share an experience where you felt strengthened by Christ in a moment of difficulty.

Understand the Purpose of Proving

Elder Eyring explains that proving is not just testing but a process that strengthens and enhances our spiritual capacity, much like steel is strengthened under pressure.

To prove a piece of steel is to place it under strain. Heat, weight, and pressure are added until its true nature is enhanced and revealed.

• Proving strengthens rather than weakens us.
• The Lord uses trials to reveal and enhance our spiritual strength.
• We become more resilient and capable of bearing greater burdens.

• Share a personal story where a challenging experience revealed your inner strength.
• Think about a time when you felt stretched beyond your limits. What did you learn about yourself?
• How have trials in your life prepared you for future challenges?

Learn from Scriptural Examples of Proving

Elder Eyring draws on examples from the scriptures, such as Moroni, Jacob, and Joseph Smith, to illustrate how faithful endurance through trials leads to spiritual refinement and strength.

Moroni’s faith was refined and strengthened. It became more pure.

He shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.

• Scriptural figures like Moroni and Joseph Smith were strengthened through their trials.
• Faithful endurance in trials leads to spiritual refinement.
• God consecrates our afflictions for our gain.

• Which scriptural figure do you relate to most in terms of enduring trials?
• How have scriptural examples inspired you during your own trials?
• Share a time when a scripture provided comfort during a difficult period.

Rely on the Savior's Atonement for Strength

Elder Eyring emphasizes the Savior's Atonement as the ultimate source of strength during our trials, as Christ has experienced all our pains and can succor us in our infirmities.

Because of His glorious Atonement, Jesus Christ can strengthen us in our times of trial.

He knows how to succor us because He has felt all the challenges that we will ever feel in mortality.

• The Savior's Atonement is the ultimate source of strength during trials.
• Christ understands our pains and challenges personally.
• He offers succor and support through His Atonement.

• Reflect on a time when you felt the Savior's comfort during a trial.
• How has understanding the Atonement helped you face personal challenges?
• Share an experience where you relied on the Savior's strength to overcome a difficulty.

Recognize Trials as Evidence of God's Love

Elder Eyring assures us that trials are not signs of abandonment but evidence of God's love, as He refines and prepares us for eternal life.

These moments are not evidence that the Lord has abandoned you. Rather, they are evidence that He loves you enough to refine and strengthen you.

• Trials are evidence of God's love and refining process.
• God is preparing us for eternal life through our challenges.
• Remaining faithful allows us to see trials as part of God's loving plan.

• When have you recognized a trial as a sign of God's love?
• How have you seen God's hand in your life during difficult times?
• Share a moment when you realized a trial was preparing you for something greater.