We will all face death as the Savior, but showed us we shall rise again!

As Easter approaches, do we feel the joy that comes from a promise that we will live after death?

This week we have been reading the advent of Easter in the New Testament. The burden that Christ had knowing what is to happen, and facing that pain, even knowing that after he will live again. We too know that we will come to a time when we will die, but as Jesus, we will live again. But we must be prepared, for we never know when.

Is the World Out of Control?

Meanwhile, what of the world we are living in? We don’t know when we wake up what kind of horror will be seen in the day. In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus foretells of the great calamities that will precede His Second Coming. Are we standing together as husband and wife to be prepared for the great day of the Lord? Are we frightened, or want to give up as trials seem too hard?

Your Heavenly Father Wants You to Stay Strong!

I read a thought from Elder Holland. He gave four things God asks us to remember in troubling times. 

"First, our adversity and affliction shall be but a small moment. Our trials seem to be long-lasting-or everlasting-when we are in the midst of them, but they do come to an end...Often enough in our mortal struggle, the only response we can make is to hang on and hide in "the shadow of [God's] wings... until these calamities be overpast." Difficulties do pass, hard times end, the trouble we thought would never go away goes away. So there is hope, not simple stoicism, in enduring.

Second, if we endure our challenges well, God will exalt us on high and we will triumph over our foes, whether those foes be actual people seeking to do us harm or simply the vicissitudes of life that bring grief and trouble with them...

Third, we need to remember that we do have friends. Thank heaven for friends! The Prophet Joseph was reminded that his friends were still standing by him and that they would yet hail him again with "warm hearts and friendly hands."

Fourth, in our despair, there can always be a tendency to self-pity. We need to resist that at all cost, for it damages everything it touches...We have many, many blessings, and there are many, many people in the world who face far more circumstances than do we.”

How Does Your Life Compare to Others?

Not that bad, huh? I think my friends and family have blessings beyond good. And when the going gets tough… we all have each other. So we learn this week that in the end, all will be well if we stand in holy places and together.  Rejoice in the Easter message!