Navigating life’s challenges can often feel like an arduous journey, where every turn brings a new test of our faith and resilience. In the latest episode of our podcast, Kerrie Mills-Oneal and David Mills-Oneal delve into the transformative power of faith and how it can guide us through the storms of life. This post explores the key themes from the episode, including turning trials into triumphs, finding hope in the divine, and the role of adversity in spiritual growth. Listen to this episode of Hear Him Heal here
Adversity is an inevitable part of life, yet it is often in these moments of struggle that we find the greatest opportunities for personal growth and spiritual enrichment. The recent General Conference highlighted this message with the announcement of 15 new temples, signaling not just physical edifices but beacons of hope and spiritual milestones for many. Temples serve as a testament to the grace that can be found in adversity, providing a space for personal revelation and a haven for those seeking guidance from the Lord. As stated in James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
As we reflect on the personal journeys shared in the podcast, it becomes clear that walking in the light of Jesus Christ, even amidst the darkness, is a choice that brings profound impact. The sacred rite of the sacrament and the fortification against Satan’s deceptions are crucial aspects of this walk. By embracing scriptural wisdom and the peace of covenant-keeping, we can navigate life’s adversities with a fortified spirit. In Doctrine and Covenants 84:88, the Lord promises, “And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.”
But how do we face the adversary’s cunning tricks? The episode provides a quartet of strategies that include resisting temptation, identifying lies, avoiding contention, and overcoming discouragement. By doing so, we can lean into the strength found in scripture and the truth delivered by the Holy Ghost, which together provide a bulwark against the whispers of inadequacy and shame that the adversary employs to veer us off course. Ephesians 6:11 advises us to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Adversity’s capacity to sculpt our spiritual selves is likened to a river rounding out the edges of a pebble—a relentless, natural process that yields a smoother, more refined outcome. This metaphor resonates with the experiences of scriptural giants like Abraham and Joseph Smith, whose resilience in the face of trial serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith. In Ether 12:6, we read, “And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.”
The podcast invites listeners to reimagine life’s hurdles as opportunities for growth, urging a perspective that seeks hope, embraces change, and moves ever closer to divine love. Concluding the episode, the discussion turns to the teachings adversity offers us. The trials we face are not mere obstacles but reflections of divine love, designed to shape our character and help us reach our full potential. As found in Romans 5:3-4, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Join us each week on our podcast as we explore and celebrate the Mormon faith as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tune in to hear personal stories of how faith heals and transforms lives, deepening our connection with the divine and each other. Listen to this episode of Hear Him Heal here.
In sum, this episode serves as a soul-stirring reminder that the adversities we face in life are not to be feared but embraced as opportunities for profound spiritual growth. It is through these trials that we can strengthen our faith, deepen our relationship with the divine, and ultimately, transform our lives.
The following 15 new temple locations were announced:
1. Uturoa, French Polynesia
2. Chihuahua, Mexico
3. Florianópolis, Brazil
4. Rosario, Argentina
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
6. Brisbane, Australia South Area
7. Victoria, British Columbia
8. Yuma, Arizona
9. Houston, Texas South Area
10. Des Moines, Iowa
11. Cincinnati, Ohio
12. Honolulu, Hawaii
13. West Jordan, Utah
14. Lehi, Utah
15. Maracaibo, Venezuela