“I testify that when we embark upon or continue the incredible journey that leads to God, our lives will be better. This does not mean that our lives will be free from sorrow. We all know of faithful followers of Christ who suffer tragedy and injustice—Jesus Christ Himself suffered more than anyone. Just as God makes the “sun to rise on the evil and on the good,” He also allows adversity to test the just and the unjust. In fact, sometimes it seems that our lives are more difficult because we are trying to live our faith. No, following the Savior will not remove all of your trials. However, it will remove the barriers between you and the help your Heavenly Father wants to give you. God will be with you. He will direct your steps. He will walk beside you and even carry you when your need is greatest.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “A Yearning for Home,” General Conference, October 2017)
I love the way President Uchtdorf says this—that following Christ and trying to live our life the way He would have us live it “removes the barriers between [us] and the help [our] Heavenly Father wants to give [us].” Those barriers are walls that we put up ourselves. They come from Satan who tricks us into believing we are not worthy of such help or that we are too insignificant to be worth our Heavenly Father’s time. They come from our own poor choices and refusal to repent. They come from being too comfortable in our shortcomings and not wanting to be uncomfortable or vulnerable. But our Heavenly Father wants to pour blessings and help upon us if we will throw those barriers aside. He will be there for you in your struggle, in your affliction, and in your sadness if you will put your faith in Him.
Meditation and Journaling Prompt: What barriers are you putting up between yourself and your Father in Heaven? What is holding you back today?
