Turn Trials into Blessings

I continued studying Acts 27 – 28 today. At the end of the scripture study, I have learned something – If we are faithful, God can help us turn trials into blessings for ourselves and others. It is just the same as how Paul experienced his trials at sea, while shipwrecked, and while imprisoned in Rome.

This bring my memories back then to our family Hong Kong temple trip this year. During our family temple trip, our family faced some challenges since the day one we entered into the temple.

Issac and Annabelle were getting missing in the busy streets of Hong Kong, Alvin lost his job, Alvin’s car broke down on the highway on his way back to Kulai after he came back from temple, and many more.

I realized that Heavenly Father blessed us with so much more. Issac and Annabelle gained their testimonies: they both know that Heavenly Father hears and answers their prayers. They have the testimony of the Holy Ghost that guided them to find their way back to the group safely, and came back to the temple patron house.

Alvin now no longer worked in Kulai. When he told me that day that he has a woman during at Johor, I know that it is not a co-incident that Alvin lost his job during we were at Hong Kong. I know that Heavenly Father wants him to come back, He wants him to stay nearer to us, closer to the family.

I know now, why Alvin’s car would break down at the highway on his way back to Kulai. He had been stranded at the highway for almost 3 to 4 hours. I know that Heavenly Father wants him to know and to learn by himself and think about what happened and why it happened.

Eventually, with no choice he had to call the tow truck to tow his car back to the town. The cause of the car broke down was due to the engine. The estimated cost of repairs initially is high, but it became half of the cost. I know that it was because during that time, the children and I were praying hard and sincere for their dad’s safety and minimal cost of damages. Heavenly Father heard us…

I am so touch that I know that all these happened because Heavenly Father knows that I am trying my best to be faithful for the sake of protecting my family. I can feel Heavenly Father’s love for me and my family.

The Lord gave us both the callings to serve in the Church. He extended the callings to us so that both of us can serve and learn from our callings. I know Alvin’s calling might be a test to him, but I know that as I encourage him to continue to serve, everything will be alright. Everything will become better and better.

I am grateful for my calling too as Relief Society President. It gives me opportunity to learn to communicate, to learn how to care, to learn how to see and feel the Savior’s love for all the sisters in the branch.

It will be the same to me as how it happened to Paul. I know that sometimes it is really heartache, hurt and feel the pain of the challenges that I have to face, but I know that I can go through it with the grace of the Lord.

I know that I will be blessed lots more after everything I have been through with cheerful heart and continue to be myself – His special, unique and beautiful daughter!

The Savior said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” This is His promise to all of us. I know this promise is real. I know that He lives, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.