Faith Through the Storm

This post stems from a conversation I had with a couple of friends this week.  We were discussing the recent tornadoes, storms, and other tragedies of the world when I had an image come to my mind.  I thought of what I would think and feel if I were staring at a tornado coming toward me.  What would be my reaction?  To whom would I turn in that moment of fear?  To be honest, just thinking about it made my heart start beating a little faster.  Then I remembered the comforting words of our prophet, Thomas S. Monson, which he shared with the world during a previous troubling time:

“Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.  My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.” (Thomas S. Monson, April 2009, “Be of Good Cheer“)

When faced with those overwhelming nightmares of life, I am sure we will feel some fear at first.  But when we remember the counsel President Monson shared with us, we can look through the swirling winds and darkness to see the bright beams of Christ’s light.  The future truly is as bright as our faith, and we can look through the storms to see the happiness that will come when we remain true to our God who will pull us through.  The conditions of the world are certainly not cheery and bright all the time, but our own happiness does not need to be controlled by the events happening around us.  Paul V. Johnson goes on to explain this idea further:

“Your future is not determined by the conditions around you. It is determined by your faith, your choices, and your efforts. Yes, you live in challenging times, but … You don’t have to be carried along in the current of the times. The Lord can and will help you set your own course. The challenges you face will serve to strengthen you as you move forward with your life. Each of you has a bright future, a future you cannot now fully comprehend.” (Paul V Johnson, April 2009, “Make Yours a Great Life“)

I know that our futures can be bright even when we are in our darkest hours.  My heart goes out to those who have been effected by the tornadoes in Missouri and Massachusetts and to those who are experiencing other global and personal crises.  Let us remember that “it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that [we] must build [our] foundation;…which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

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