Daily Gems - 10 November 2009

Testing Your Courage to Endure

“Even when you feel the truth of [the] capacity and kindness of the Lord to deliver you in your trials, it may still test your courage and strength to endure. The Prophet Joseph Smith cried out in agony in a dungeon:

“ ‘O God, where are thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?’(D&C 121:1–2). . . .

“The Lord’s reply has helped me and can encourage us all in times of darkness. Here it is: ‘My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes’ (D&C 121:7–8).”

Henry B. Eyring, “Adversity,” Ensign, May 2009, 24–25

Topics: Enduring to the End

Daily Gems - 30 September 2009

Our Test in Mortality

“Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

“We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matthew 16:23).”

Robert D. Hales, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Ensign, May 2009, 7

Topics: Enduring to the End, Purpose of Mortality

Daily Gems - 20 November 2008

Eternal Life the Greatest of All Gifts

"The scriptures teach us that once we have received the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, our task then is to 'endure to the end' (2 Nephi 31:20). . . .

"Enduring to the end, or remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our life, is a fundamental requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God. This belief distinguishes Latter day Saints from many other Christian denominations that teach that salvation is given to all who simply believe and confess that Jesus is the Christ. The Lord clearly declared, 'If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God' (D&C 14:7)."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 20

Topics: Enduring to the End, Obedience

Young Single Adult Gems - 7 November 2008

Live with Proper Perspective

"The past is behind--we must learn from it. The future is ahead--we must prepare for it. The present is now—we must live in it."

Thomas S. Monson, "Three Gates to Open," CES Fireside for Young Adults, Jan. 14, 2001

Topics: Enduring to the End

Daily Gems - 3 November 2008

Earth Life a Journey, Not a Final Destination

"Important components of faith are patience, long suffering, and enduring to the end. The Apostle Paul recounts the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sara, concluding that 'these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth' (see Hebrews 11:4 13). These faithful Saints knew that this earth life was a journey, not their final destination."

Spencer J. Condie, "Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 17

Topics: Enduring to the End

Young Single Adult Gems - 12 September 2008

Abiding in the Lord

"'Abide in me' is an understandable and beautiful enough concept in the elegant English of the King James Bible, but 'abide' is not a word we use much anymore. So I gained even more appreciation for this admonition from the Lord when I was introduced to the translation of this passage in another language. In Spanish that familiar phrase is rendered 'permaneced en mi.' Like the English verb 'abide,' permanecer means 'to remain, to stay,' but even gringos like me can hear the root cognate there of 'permanence.' The sense of this then is 'stay--but stay forever.' That is the call of the gospel message to Chileans and everyone else in the world. Come, but come to remain. Come with conviction and endurance. Come permanently, for your sake and the sake of all the generations who must follow you, and we will help each other be strong to the very end."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Abide in Me," Ensign, May 2004, 30

Topics: Testimony, Enduring to the End

Church History Gems - 25 July 2008

We Became Acquainted with Him in Our Extremities

"Above and beyond the epic historical events . . . , the pioneers found a guide to personal li ving. They found reality and meaning in their lives. In the difficult days of their journey, the members of the Martin and Willie handcart companies encountered some apostates from the Church who were returning from the West, going back to the East. These apostates tried to persuade some in the companies to turn back. A few did turn back. But the great majority of the pioneers went forward to a heroic achievement in this life, and to eternal life in the life hereafter. Francis Webster, a member of the Martin Company, stated, 'Everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.' (David O. McKay, "Pioneer Women," Relief Society Magazine, Jan. 1948, p. 8.) I hope that this priceless legacy of faith left by the pioneers will inspire all of us to more fully participate in the Savior's work of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of his children."

James E. Faust, "A Priceless Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 1992, 85

Topics: Enduring to the End, Pioneers, Adversity

Daily Gems - 2 July 2008

Lightening the Burden of Others

"I rejoice in belonging to such a loving and caring organization [as the Church]. No one knows better how to bear one another's burdens, mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. I choose to call it 'enduring together.' What happens to one happens to all. We endure together.

"May we be an instrument in lightening the burden of others."

Richard C. Edgley, "Enduring Together," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 11

Topics: Enduring to the End

Youth Gems - 26 June 2008

Enduring to the End

"Enduring to the end, or remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our life, is a fundamental requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God. This belief distinguishes Latter-day Saints from many other Christian denominations that teach that salvation is given to all who simply believe and confess that Jesus is the Christ. The Lord clearly declared, 'If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God' (D&C 14:7). "Therefore, enduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life's difficult circumstances or 'hanging in there.' Ours is an active religion, helping God's children along the strait and narrow path to develop their full potential during this life and return to Him one day. Viewed from this perspective, enduring to the end is exalting and glorious, not grim and gloomy. This is a joyful religion, one of hope, strength, and deliverance. 'Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy' (2 Nephi 2:25). "Enduring to the end is a process filling every minute of our life, every hour, every day, from sunrise to sunrise. It is accomplished through personal discipline following the commandments of God."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 20

Topics: Enduring to the End

Young Single Adult Gems - 19 March 2008

To Finish the Race

"In 1968 a marathon runner by the name of John Stephen Akhwari represented Tanzania in an international competition. 'A little over an hour after [the winner] had crossed the finish line, John Stephen Akhwari . . . approached the stadium, the last man to complete the journey. [Though suffering from fatigue, leg cramps, dehydration, and disorientation,] a voice called from within to go on, and so he went on. Afterwards, it was written, "Today we have seen a young African runner who symbolizes the finest in human spirit, a performance that gives meaning to the word courage." For some, the only reward is a personal one. [There are no medals, only] the knowledge that they finished what they set out to do' (The Last African Runner, Olympiad Series, written, directed, and produced by Bud Greenspan, Cappy Productions, 1976, videocassette). When asked why he would complete a race he could never win, Akhwari replied, 'My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; my country sent me to finish the race.' "He knew who he was—an athlete representing the country of Tanzania. He knew his purpose—to finish the race. He knew that he had to endure to the finish, so that he could honorably return home to Tanzania. Our mission in life is much the same. We were not sent by Father in Heaven just to be born. We were sent to endure and return to Him with honor."

Robert D. Hales, "Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure," Ensign, May 1998, 76

Topics: Enduring to the End

Daily Gems - 28 December 2007

The Atonement Gives Us the Strength to Endure

"The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the healing it offers do much more than provide the opportunity for repentance from sins. The Atonement also gives us the strength to endure 'pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind,' because our Savior also took upon Him 'the pains and the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11). Brothers and sisters, if your faith and prayers and the power of the priesthood do not heal you from an affliction, the power of the Atonement will surely give you the strength to bear the burden."

Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 9

Topics: Atonement, Enduring to the End

Daily Gems - 30 October 2007

The Atonement Gives Us the Strength to Endure

"The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the healing it offers do much more than provide the opportunity for repentance from sins. The Atonement also gives us the strength to endure 'pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind,' because our Savior also took upon Him 'the pains and the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11). Brothers and sisters, if your faith and prayers and the power of the priesthood do not heal you from an affliction, the power of the Atonement will surely give you the strength to bear the burden."

Dallin H. Oaks, "He Heals the Heavy Laden," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 9

Topics: Repentance, Enduring to the End

Young Single Adult Gems - 17 August 2007

To Finish the Race

"In 1968 a marathon runner by the name of John Stephen Akhwari represented Tanzania in an international competition. 'A little over an hour after [the winner] had crossed the finish line, John Stephen Akhwari . . . approached the stadium, the last man to complete the journey. [Though suffering from fatigue, leg cramps, dehydration, and disorientation,] a voice called from within to go on, and so he went on. Afterwards, it was written, "Today we have seen a young African runner who symbolizes the finest in human spirit, a performance that gives meaning to the word courage." For some, the only reward is a personal one. [There are no medals, only] the knowledge that they finished what they set out to do' (The Last African Runner, Olympiad Series, written, directed, and produced by Bud Greenspan, Cappy Productions, 1976, videocassette). When asked why he would complete a race he could never win, Akhwari replied, 'My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; my country sent me to finish the race.'

"He knew who he was—an athlete representing the country of Tanzania. He knew his purpose—to finish the race. He knew that he had to endure to the finish, so that he could honorably return home to Tanzania. Our mission in life is much the same. We were not sent by Father in Heaven just to be born. We were sent to endure and return to Him with honor."

Robert D. Hales, "Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure," Ensign, May 1998, 76

Topics: Enduring to the End

Church History Gems - 13 August 2007

Nephi of Old.

"If there is one character more than another in the Book of Mormon that I have admired and whose example I have felt to emulate, that character has been Nephi of old; never discouraged, never disheartened, always ready, always determined to labor to the best of his ability for the accomplishment of the purposes of God."

Heber J. Grant, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant [2002], 37

Topics: Enduring to the End

Youth Gems - 28 June 2007

Moroni's Faith in Our Generation

"Moroni exercised faith in the promised blessings for future generations. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained that this joyful anticipation of past prophets, including Moroni, was because they had seen our day in vision. They saw strong, covenant-keeping young people like you who would carry out the Lord's work in this final dispensation. Elder Holland said, 'The leaders in those ages past, were able to keep going, . . . not because they knew that they would succeed but because they knew that you would . . . a magnificent congregation of young [people] like you . . . in a determined effort to see the gospel prevail and triumph' ("Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast," Church Educational System fireside, Sept. 12, 2004; see www.ldsces.org). We have a huge responsibility to fulfill Moroni's 'joyful anticipation.' "

Susan W. Tanner, "Glad Tidings from Cumorah," Ensign, May 2005, 105-6

Topics: Faith, Youth, Enduring to the End

Daily Gems - 4 May 2007

Patience and Charity

"The Book of Mormon provides insight into the relationship between patience and charity. Mormon, after pointing out that if a man 'have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity,' goes on to name the 13 elements of charity, or the pure love of Christ. I find it most interesting that 4 of the 13 elements of this must-have virtue relate to patience (see Moroni 7:44-45).

"First, 'charity suffereth long.' That is what patience is all about. Charity 'is not easily provoked' is another aspect of this quality, as is charity 'beareth all things.' And finally, charity 'endureth all things' is certainly an expression of patience (Moroni 7:45). From these defining elements it is evident that without patience gracing our soul, we would be seriously lacking with respect to a Christlike character."

Robert C. Oaks, "The Power of Patience," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 15

Topics: Charity, Enduring to the End

Young Single Adult Gems - 30 April 2007

Perseverance, the Secret of Success

"Success is usually earned by persevering and not becoming discouraged when we encounter challenges. Paul Harvey, the famous news analyst and author, once said: 'Someday I hope to enjoy enough of what the world calls success so that someone will ask me, "What's the secret of it?" I shall say simply this: "I get up when I fall down" ' (quoted in Marvin J. Ashton, Conference Report, Oct. 1981, 126)."

James E. Faust, "Perseverance," Ensign, May 2005, 51

Topics: Enduring to the End, Adversity

Daily Gems - 20 April 2007

Relying on the Savior

"Jesus said, 'Without me ye can do nothing.' (John 15:5). I testify that that is God's truth. Christ is everything to us and we are to 'abide' in Him permanently, unyieldingly, steadfastly, forever. For the fruit of the gospel to blossom and bless our lives, we must be firmly attached to Him, the Savior of us all, and to this His Church, which bears His holy name. He is the vine that is our true source of strength and the only source of eternal life. In Him we not only will endure but also will prevail and triumph in this holy cause that will never fail us."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Abide in Me," Ensign, May 2004, 32

Topics: Enduring to the End

Daily Gems - 28 February 2007

The Lord Expects Us to Endure to the End

"We are all subject to sorrow and suffering, to disease and death. Through times good and bad, the Lord expects each of us to endure to the end. As we all go forward together in His sacred work, the Brethren realize the importance of your thoughtful consideration, so lovingly offered and gratefully received. We love you and pray for you, as you pray for us."

Russell M. Nelson, "Jesus Christ—the Master Healer," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 85

Topics: Enduring to the End

Daily Gems - 16 February 2007

Standing Fast on the Lord's Side

"Now is the time to stand fast in our faith and on our principles. . . . Now is the time to show our appreciation for the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . .

"Now is the time to warn our neighbors by sharing the gospel message with them. Now is the time to provide the world with an example of decency and modesty, an example of virtue and cleanliness. . . .

"Now is indeed the time to show we are on the Lord's side."

Robert C. Oaks, "Who's on the Lord's Side? Who?" Ensign, May 2005, 50

Topics: Faith, Enduring to the End