Becoming a Butterfly

Throughout our lives, we are confronted with myriad trials and temptations. Some of the pain and sorrow we endure is the self-inflicted result of sin, while most of it seems to merely stumble across our path, with the aim to knock us off our course. Whatever the source of our trials or tribulations however, we can often wonder, "why me?"

Joseph B. Wirthlin compared our experience in mortality to the emergence of a butterfly. "Wrapped tightly in its cocoon, the developing chrysalis must struggle with all its might to break its confinement. The butterfly might think, 'Why must I suffer so? Why cannot I simply, in the twinkling of an eye, become a butterfly?'" (Finding a Safe Harbor)

As sons and daughters of God, we were sent to this earth to learn and to grow. We knew we would encounter hardships beyond our imagination, yet we chose to follow the plan regardless. In fact, we shouted for joy! We knew then, that in order to become the beautiful butterflies we have the potential to be, that we had to struggle and suffer. Yet how often we forget, like the Prophet Joseph Smith, that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." (D&C 122:7)

"The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so it can fly. Without adversity, the butterfly would never have the strength to achieve its destiny. It would never develop the strength to become something extraordinary." (Finding a Safe Harbor)

Rather than serve as stumbling blocks, we can transform our tribulations into building blocks. Our greatest trials can become our greatest blessings! What a marvelous gift! What a loving Heavenly Father. He knew we would struggle, fall, and lose our way, and so He sent His Son, even Jesus Christ, to overcome all things. "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah: 53:4,5) He has endured more than we could ever endure, "that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Alma 7:12) Whatever we are going through, He knows us. Jesus Christ knows you personally, He has "graven thee upon the palms of [His] hands." (1 Nephi 21:16) 

Through the Savior, we can become extraordinary. We have talents, gifts, and potential greater than we can imagine. We can transform our trials, and ourselves, through Him. Whenever the pressure mounts, don't let go, don't back down, and don't give up. Be of good cheer, Christ overcame all things; and through Him, so can we. 

"Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high." (D&C 121:7-8)