Day 6 - When Hope Is Gone

The High Priest of Good Things to Come

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. – Hebrews 6:15

The Invitation … Hope
-Read the story of the blind man in John 9:1-38.

The Journey
-Attempt to analyze through different eyes a situation that has been troubling to you. Pray that the Savior will touch your eyes so that you will see what you need to do differently.
-Now take some time to write down some of the good things that have to you through Christ. How does recognizing these blessings bring you hope?

My experience …
This story of the blind man was very touching to me. Here is a man who had been blind from birth. He had a physical ailment that was not curable. It was not his fault that he was blind. I can imagine him longing to see just once. I imagine him longing to be rid of his problem for just a short period of time. Yet, when I really think and ponder the story, this blind man did neither. He took the ailment and physical limitations he was given and made the best of the situation. Because he did this, he had been prepared for the miracle which was about to happen.

In my life, I have not had things easy. I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at today. Over the last year, I have worked really hard at enduring a trial. At times, I so wanted to throw my hands up in the air and say, “I QUIT!” When my situation became extremely trying, I would be easily frustrated. Looking back now, I can see the hand of the Lord in every moment of this trial. When I wanted to quit, I would be sent help in ways that sometimes I didn’t understand. I was given help through many priesthood blessings. I was sent friends who lightened my load. I was given a candle in a dark place.

Looking back at the past year, I wish I would have had faith like the blind man. He endured his trial and was healed. In my own way, I have endured my trial. My faith definitely grew along the way. Maybe I didn’t have the faith to start with but I am grateful that I see with new eyes now. I can see how I have been blessed line upon line. My trial is still in my life but I can see it through different eyes. I can see that my Savior is walking right along side of me.

It’s time to take this trial that I have been given and make lemonade. I can tell you that it will be the best lemonade. I have learned that as I endure trials with patience, the reward will always be more than I can imagine. The reward that I have been given now is peace. My shoulders are stronger to bear the burdens and I am much happier. I am the miracle. My life, feelings and attitude are completely different. I have been blessed in so many ways.

I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I am trying really hard to look at the trials in my life through different eyes. I know as I do this I will be blessed. I have hope now that things will work out. I hope that this burden and trial will not only bless me but those that may need my help in overcoming their own burdens and trials.