Challenges build our spiritual foundation and prepare us for something greater. (D&C 115-120)

115:5

When Marci and I built our home in the middle of the forest, the idea was that we would become hermits. We loved being in nature and the peace and quiet we find here. We thought we would stay up on the property and come down only a few times a month. We didn’t really think it through.

In the year before we moved in, we decided to serve a church mission in Florida. This changed our perspective. After that, we began working for the church’s Missionary Department. We found ourselves teaching at the MTC each week. Basically, we were driving down the hill every day. That has continued to this day.

We’ve realized that, to be good disciples of Christ, you cannot tuck yourselves away in the forest. The life of a disciple is not a life of solitude. We are meant to let our light shine to others. We are meant to “strengthen our brethren.” In this verse, we read, “Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations.” We are meant to be examples of let our light set a standard for what is good and right.

115:6

Rather than becoming a hermit, the Lord wants the opposite - he wants us to gather. “And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.” Why does the Lord wants us to gather together?

• “May be for a defense.”

• “Refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out.”

The defense for and refuge from the storm is essential for all of us. The storm is the chaos and lies and and temptation wickedness and violence that is spreading throughout the world. We must gather to protect ourselves physically and spiritually. Our gathering protects in at least these two ways.

It is good to know that there will be some protection and refuge from the wrath that will be “poured out” in the last days. Yet another reason to stay close to the Lord and be a member of his church in good standing!

115:8-9

“Therefore, I command you to build a house unto me, for the gathering together of my saints, that they may worship me. And let there be a beginning of this work, and a foundation, and a preparatory work, this following summer.” It’s interesting that all of the work that the saints did at this time in Far West was for naught in a literal sense. Soon after this revelation, and after building about 200 homes, the members of the church were chased off of their land by Missourians. So, what work was this the beginning of?

This is a great example of the Lord’s ways being different from our ways. Knowing what I know about the history, it is clear to me that what they did WAS a foundation and preparatory work. It was meant to be a spiritual, mental foundation for the members. It was meant to prepare them for the future. This foundation and preparatory work had little to do with literal foundations of a city. It was focused on the people.

This is true for all of God’s plans. None of God’s plans involve us being rich. I hate to say it but it’s true. None of his plans involve our possessions or luxury. His plans aren’t focused on our career or our physical houses. His plans aren’t eternal and, if we have faith in him, ALL of the events of our lives can be viewed as foundation building and preparatory work.

We didn’t expect that we were going to have to sell our home this soon. We didn’t see it in the cards that Marci’s business would struggle. We didn’t imagine that I would be shooting pictures full time for the past three months. We just have to have faith in God and know that it will work out for our good. In some way, this time of our lives is helping us build a foundation of faith and is preparation for what comes next.

117:1-4

This is the Lord talking about William Marks and Newel Whitney. They were supposed to “settle up their business speedily and journey from the land of Kirtland.” Apparently, there was risk of them wanting to “tarry.” “Let them awake, and arise, and come forth, and not tarry, for I, the Lord, command it. Therefore, if they tarry it shall not be well with them.” They must have wanted to extend their stay in Kirtland. Why? It sounds like they were enjoying what they had there. They were enjoying their stuff and their property.

The Lord gives them some correction. “Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord.” This is a good perspective-setter in that the things of this world should mean close to nothing for us. If we have been commanded by the Lord and we delay being obedient because of our stuff, that’s not good and certainly not the right perspective to have.

This life is very temporary. All that we have will soon be destroyed, given away or owned by someone else in not that many years. We are given temporary stewardship over them for a short while - then we have to give it up. Think of it! What possessions did your grandpa have that are now worth a lot? How much even exists? What about your great grandpa. There may be a few small heirlooms that you or a family member has - but all of his possessions are gone. All that he spent his life acquiring him are gone. We shouldn’t be so fixated on it.

117:13

“Therefore, let him contend earnestly for the redemption of the First Presidency of my Church, saith the Lord; and when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord.” This is a great way of looking at life.

First, when we fall, we will rise again. This is true for any and every problem that exists in this world - including our demise. If we have faith in the Lord, no bad thing that can happen to us is permanent. Every failure and setback and disappointment will be overcome! We are children of our Heavenly Father and have the power to rebound from any drop. Our destiny is to be saved in the kingdom of God.

In fact, our falls are more foundational and developmental than our successes. The sacrifices that we make for the Lord will do more for our spiritual development than retaining any level of wealth, possessions, good health, etc. Our failures and sacrifices are the reasons that we came to a fallen world. Our sacrifices truly are sacred for God and for us. We will look back at every struggle we face with fondness at some point and view each as a key element of our spiritual growth and empathy for others.

I can’t imagine a more important principle to help us endure the trials and tribulations of this life with the right perspective!

118:3

“Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth.” If we put the Lord first in our lives, the other aspects of our life will fall into place.

I’m reminded of the Lord speaking about how he takes care of the birds - why wouldn’t he take care of us. He will open doors. If we are keeping God the center of our lives, the other aspects of our lives will be taken care of. That doesn’t mean that we can study and pray and serve and not give our finances a thought - we still must do our part. But, I believe miracles will happen that will allow you to continue to put God the center of your lives.