Overcoming Obstacles

 

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days. D&C 64:33–34

    

   This week's readings and videos were all about overcoming obstacles. This was by far my favorite readings so far this semester. Obstacles and trials are things one always wants to avoid at all costs. Who is their right mind looks forward to obstacles and trials? I see them differently. I see them now, more as a molding process as a way to grow, strengthen, and stretch.

    Looking forward to life as an Entrepreneur, I have realized that my biggest obstacles for myself and my business are going to be “ME, MYSELF AND I”. If I can overcome my self-doubt, fear, and negative self-talk. Then I believe that will be half the battle. If I can overcome that I can overcome anything put in my way.

“Don’t doubt yourself and what you can do. As an entrepreneur, as you start a venture, you’re going to have all kinds of people laugh and say “you can’t do this” just like Nephi’s brothers. You can’t build a ship. Nephi knew he could and I know you can do whatever it is you set your mind to. With the Lord, you can do amazing things.” (You Can Do Anything – video series)

    There have been times in my life when I understood why Satan's plan looked and sounded so appealing. No wonder 1/3 of Heavenly Father’s children choose to follow Satan. Having everything fair and even would be nice. But after reading and watching the videos this week and taking time to ponder everything. I know that it is through my darkest hours that the light means so much more. Those hard times have helped me to appreciate and treasure the happy times. Looking back at those difficult and tough times brings tears, not because of the remembrance of the difficult times but the joy and thrill of knowing how far I have come.

    Almost a year ago to the day, our sewer backed up into our basement. My son was going to be going through the temple for the first time in two days. We had tons of family coming and we NEEDED a bathroom. We made it through the weekend barely and it backed up again. We knew something was definitely wrong with our septic system. I prayed and prayed for a miracle. The miracle I sought was that the septic system would be fine and a quick fix. I had sent my dad a message asking for advice. He owns a construction company and I thought he might be able to give me some pointers. That was a Sunday night, early Monday morning I received a text message from my dad telling me he had just loaded up his excavator and was on his way. He lives almost 1000 miles away. I sobbed, thinking at the time, that this was the miracle I was receiving. No, it was not an easy, quick, or cheap fix but him coming and offering his time and talents was only part of the miracle I received those few days he was here.

    For the past few years, the relationship between my father and me had been strained. I was hurt and held some resentment and anger towards him. That first night he was here, he came in to eat dinner and have scriptures/family night with us. That night my eyes were opened. I saw a new man, I saw a man who had gone through many obstacles. He was not avoiding them but had chosen to face them face on. I saw a man, my father who had a broken heart and a contrite spirit. I saw a man choosing light and trying his best to become someone who he knew he needed to become. I saw a repentant child of God. It was not just me who saw the physical changes in his countenance, but my family also noticed.

“In the private sanctuary of one’s own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the stature of true potential.” President Thomas S. Monson

    I learned the powerful lesson of the blessing of obstacles a year ago. I learned that obstacles can do one of two things. One they can turn us angry or bitter. Or we can choose to face those obstacles head-on, letting them help us to grow and stretch beyond something we could ever imagine possible, in the process becoming something greater than we ever believed. 

    I didn’t get the miracle I desired that day a year ago, I received the miracle I needed.

    I will leave you with a portion of Elder Hollands' speech that he gave in January of 1983 at a BYU devotional. I hope as you read his words you realized that each obstacle and trial is intentionally part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help us individually lay our own foundation. Our own personal foundations of a Great Work!

“I am asking you this morning not to give up “for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.” That “great work” is you—your life, your future, the very fulfillment of your dreams. That “great work” is what, with effort and patience and God’s help, you can become. When days are difficult or problems seem unending, I plead with you to stay in the harness and keep pulling. You are entitled to “eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days,” but it will require your heart and a willing mind. It will require that you stay at your post and keep trying.” Elder Jeffery R. Holland