Strength follows Adversity

Things have been pretty crazy the past month. The hardest thing that has happened is that Grandad passed away. He has taught us all a lot and we will never forget all of his weird quirks. While I was at home it just seemed like it was one thing after another. It felt like things would never get better. While trials are still present in my life, I have a stronger testimony of so many things because of the adversity that I have faced.
Sometimes we wonder why everything happens to us all at once. Often in church we reply with because the Lord is testing us to see if we can make it. Somewhat true. However, the Lord knows what we can handle. He knows us better than we know ourselves. I think He tests us and pushes us to a point where we don't think we are going to make it so that we can see how strong we actually are. I know for me that sometimes I feel that all is lost but I still have a glimmer of faith and somehow I always make it through. I have the strength to do hard things as I rely on the Lord. I know that is true.
I also think trials occur to allow us to use our faith that we have been building up during the hard times. As we use this faith, we simultaneously increase our faith on faith. Crazy, eh?!?! Trials are such a blessing to it and it is sad that at times we lose focus of that. God knows what we need. We have to trust him and know that He is going to do what is best for all of His children. Because God loves us, He gives us adversity. He gives us the opportunity to be humbled and rely on Him. Adversity allows us to step back and look at our life and re-prioritize. It allows us to gain experiences that we can use to help others in the future. It refines us and strengthens us. I am grateful for the adversities of life. He never said it would be easy, but it is most definitely worth it.
Everyone will face adversity in their lifetime. Not to worry though, as Elder Wirthlin said, "every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." The promise of eternal life and knowing that one day we WILL live with God again is enough to get me through even the hardest of times. I know I will be blessed for being faithful despite, and perhaps even because of, the adversity that I face in this life.