When Trials Seem Too Big
Challenges are a part of life. But with help, we can see them through God’s perspective.
Mount Timpanogos is a mountain in Utah, USA, that’s 11,000 feet (3,353 m) high and jam-packed with waterfalls, rock walls, meadows, and wildlife. Standing at the base of a mountain like this can make you feel small. You can’t see over or around it. It can look too big and insurmountable.
However, a 10-minute drive away from Mount Timpanogos allows you to see it differently. From this perspective, you can notice trails and roads that have been cut through the mountain. These show that others have been there before and that there’s a safe way over and around the mountain.
The trials in your life right now might feel the same way. Facing really hard challenges can feel like staring up at mountains so big you can’t see over or even around them. They can seem too big and maybe impossible to get past. Those trials may even make you feel small, frustrated, scared, or alone.
But here’s something else to try. Take a step back and try to see your trials from a different perspective—God’s perspective.
With this perspective, you may also realize that you’re not left alone to solve your problems. You have a Father in Heaven who loves you and will help you. Others, especially the Savior, have made it through hard times too. They want to give you the guidance you need to overcome your trials, even the really big ones.
How Can We Change Our Perspective?
1 Follow Heavenly Father’s plan.
Jesus Christ is our perfect example. The principles He taught are simple, powerful, and easy to understand. Does that mean they’re always easy to follow? Well, no. Not always. But each time we do follow Him in faith, our perspective starts to shift. We start seeing challenges as opportunities to reach out to the Savior rather than viewing them as punishments, pitfalls, or obstacles keeping us away.
2 Ask God for help.
God is your Heavenly Father. He knows you, loves you, and is ready to help you any time you ask. President Russell M. Nelson has taught that “the Lord’s perspective transcends your mortal wisdom. His response to your prayers may surprise you and will help you to think celestial.”
When you pray, God can help you see things you can’t right now. He can guide you through your trials and even give you peace and strength as you follow Him.
3 Ask others for help.
Heavenly Father has put good people in your life who can help you. When you’re struggling with challenges that seem to be looming in front of you, consider talking to a trusted family member, a friend, a Church leader, or your bishop.
Asking a worthy priesthood holder for a blessing of comfort and guidance is another wonderful way to see yourself and life through God’s perspective.
Seeing Clearly
Like a giant mountain standing right in your way, sometimes your trials can feel too big. But as you live God’s plan and let Him and others help you, you can see your challenges differently.
You can take a step back and see that there is a way to overcome your trials. Jesus Christ provides a path you can take. No matter how big your trials might appear, God is stronger.