Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Question

Elder Perkins shares some of his personal health struggles and reminds us that experiencing trials can refine our soul and ultimately prepare us for eternal life. Looking back on trials that you have experienced, how have you placed your trust in Heavenly Father and allowed your trials to refine your soul?

Quote

Two thousand years ago, Jesus’s disciples saw a blind man at the temple and asked, “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?”
His disciples seemed to incorrectly believe, as do far too many people today, that all hardship and suffering in life are the result of sin. But the Savior replied, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.”
The work of God is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. But how can trials and suffering—especially suffering imposed by another person’s sinful use of agency—ultimately advance God’s work?
The Lord told His covenant people, “I have refined thee … ; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Whatever the cause of your sufferings, your loving Heavenly Father can direct them to refine your soul. Refined souls can bear others’ burdens with true empathy and compassion. Refined souls who have come “out of great tribulation” are prepared to joyfully live in God’s presence forever, and “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Scripture

10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Isaiah 48:10