Joy And Affliction

Wow... crazy week. I studied joy and affliction. And there are a couple of thoughts and scriptures I want to share.

First, I've shared this quote before but I just love it, "I give you assurance that regardless of the world's condition and your personal circumstances, you can face the future with optimism and joy if you have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his gospel." President Nelson is right, an overarching theme of my study was that when we can see the whole picture, and know God's plan of Salvation we can have peace in this life, and our afflictions will truly only be for a small moment. This week we were asked to help in a funeral for a members grandma that passed away in Mexico... hermana Wilson played the piano, I led the music... a bunch of the family weren't members. But it was cool to see how those who were members, and had the knowledge of the plan of salvation, they were more calm and collected. They knew where she was. 

I also really liked John 16:33. "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Jesus suffered and died for us, and then he lived again for us. We don't need to worry about the little issues, infirmities, challenges, etc because he suffered them and they won't last forever. Since he overcame them, we can overcome them too.

This week was a crazy week, and honestly I learned where my priorities were. And en verdad... I don't even remember what happened this week...

We had exchanges and I had to drive... and we lived! I was really nervous since I had to drive to zone conference... and I prayed for protection like 20 times... and God is good because we got there safely and it wasn't as bad as I thought...

Lots of meetings this week... yah... there were a couple moments though at the end of the day when we were driving home with the windows down and were listening to happy music, and I could tell I was tired, but I felt so happy. And I was just a happy missionary, I had worked hard and it was a busy time. But I am happy. Missionary work is the best.

My question of the week is: How can you better focus on the big picture and find Joy in affliction?