First of all, if you didn’t see all the recent blog announcements, go check them out.
We did it! This is the last talk we’ll study for this round of general conference. The conference countdown has begun.
That picture up there will make a lot more sense after you study this talk. It’s a classic analysis of the age-old question: why do bad things happen to good people?, and then it’s followed up with counsel of how to navigate those trials and testimony about the justice of God’s Plan. The answers, of course, are found in the Savior.
| The Songs They Could Not Sing by Elder Quentin L. Cook |
” There are many kinds of challenges. Some give us necessary experiences. Adverse results in this mortal life are not evidence of lack of faith or of an imperfection in our Father in Heaven’s overall plan. The refiner’s fire is real, and qualities of character and righteousness that are forged in the furnace of affliction perfect and purify us and prepare us to meet God.”
Update: I had forgotten that we did this talk already back in December. I paired it up with another talk. Sorry about that. If this is a repeat for you, study Pres. Monson’s closing remarks from conference this week or Pres. Uchtdort’s awesome talk from the General RS meeting.
What are some of your favorite insights from this talk? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below.
The next round of General Conference Book Club will be hosted from a different home. Go here to read the announcement (skip down to number 3).
To anyone who is checking out GCBC for the first time, the goal is to read one General Conference talk a week and discuss it together as an on-line “book club.” If you want to learn more, go here.
Diapers and Divinity 
I think we did this one with “It is Better to Look Up” back in December 😉 But it is worth reading again!
I really loved this whole talk – the question of why bad things happen at all is a really important question and one my husband and I love to discuss. Knowing the reasons for our suffering is really helpful, I think, because it helps us know if this is a trial we simply have to endure, if this is a trial we can remove by changing our situation (i.e., getting away from an abusive relationship, trying to keep ourselves safe from people who make bad choices, etc) or if this is a trial we brought upon ourselves by our own bad choices. Once we know which of the three reasons is causing our suffering it helps us choose a course of action that can help us deal with the suffering more accurately.
Here’s the link to my post from December.
Loved this talk!!!! I like to think that those people are singing in heaven though and praising our Father in Heaven. Ordinary people do the most amazing things – and it can influence future generations and others. I’m sure the early settlers of Utah didn’t think their stories were anything amazing or uplifting – but they are.
This is such a great talk. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t struggled with the “why bad things happen to good people” idea. I liked E. Cook’s analogy of our lives being like a 3-act play. There is so much that we don’t understand if we just look at the here and now. There are lots of “why’s” that won’t be answered in this life. Having faith in Jesus Christ and trusting that He truly knows us, loves us and wants good things for us helps to keep our difficulties in perspective.
I liked Elder Cook’s reminder that we know principles that can help us face tragedies and adversity with hope. We know we have a loving Heavenly Father. We know we have a Savior. We know that life continues beyond the grave. Those really are comforting truths.
Here’s another comforting truth from Elder Carlos E. Agüero: “The price for good things is paid in advance by our patience, humility, and obedience, especially during trials. If you don’t give up during your trials or let frustration and discouragement overcome you, trials will refine you spiritually and prepare you for better things. You will see the fulfillment of beautiful miracles in your life.” (New Era January 2006)
I have some more “favorite quotes” which can be found at this post on my blog. Thank you so much for hosting this General Conference Book Club! I’ve really appreciated the insight I’ve gained from other comments, and I’m looking forward to the next round of talks! Have a great weekend!!!
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