Hardships ahead but joy in the end

One scripture that I found interesting this week in my reading is found in Acts 20:22-23. Paul declares, "I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide with me." It impresses me that even knowing how hard his journey would be Paul was willing to go wherever the spirit prompted him to go. In life we know that our lives will not be easy. I used to tell people on the mission that to become a member of the true church of God does not mean that with its membership all of a sudden all of your troubles will vanish. It is quite the opposite at times. Sometimes because we have chosen to become members of Christ's church our lives become even harder. As Elder Holland said once, "we all need to take a few steps up towards Calvary." We all need to go through trials and many of us will be persecuted because of our beliefs. If we are faithful, however, the Lord will strengthen us and we will find true joy at the end of the struggle. In the april 2008 address Elder Zwick mentioned the story of the young prophet Joseph Smith. Even as a small boy after his miraculous vision "men of high standing would take notice sufficient to excite the public mind against me, and create bitter persecution." Joseph continued through all the perseuction believing that "no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing." Joseph knew that he would be required to make many sacrifices for the Lord but he would not be the weak link and give up when the road became rough. Moses did not give up when told to return to Egypt and tell the pharoah to let his people go. Nephi did not give up when his brothers beat him or tied him to the boat. Most importantly, Christ did not give up when in the garden, all alone, He suffered so that all of us would have a chance to return home. So it is with us. We all must be willing to accept the trials that are alloted us and push forward when the spirit commands us to move forward. I know that the Lord truly will help us through those trials just as he helped Paul and so many before us.