Consecration

I’ve been pondering how the Lord consecrates our afflictions for our gain (2 Nephi 2:2). The word "consecrate" means "to set apart as holy; to make or declare sacred; to devote entirely; to cause to be revered or honored, hallow."

For the past three years, I’ve undergone a killer trial but I’ve been reflecting on how I have gained when the cost has been so high.

First, this trial has humbled me in helping me see of my need for daily repentance and also not setting at naught the counsels of the Lord. It has taught me the importance of trusting the Lord and not relying in the arm of the flesh—seeking His counsel and holding off my desire to talk to others excessively about "the problem," as it often muffles out the Lord’s counsel for me. I've come to understand that unlike man, He will never fail or mislead me. He is constant and true.

It hopefully is teaching me about judging others. We are all powerless without the Lord and it is not our position or place to judge another. I've even come to believe that we should not misjudge ourselves because God made us the way we are. That does not mean we are excused in our weakness but He has specially crafted our fallen state, crafted it in a way that will hopefully humble us and turn us to Him for help. Not one of us is better than another. It is only because of His grace—His enabling power—that any gifts of righteousness are bestowed upon any of us.

This trial has taught me about motives. I have seen how my motives have shifted. I am more aware of why I do the things I do. It brings me joy to realize I am doing something strictly for the Lord, not for man’s approval. I am more apt to do things because I love the Lord. My love for Him and His opinion of me matters more than any earthly being’s perception. Consequently, this trial has helped purify my motives. I pray for pure motives. I want to please the Lord. I desire for the world to not be so much with me.

I hope this trial has taught me something about gratitude. I hope I’ve learned to be grateful and to look for the good. I’ve gone to polar opposites throughout the duration of this trial but hopefully, bit by bit, I am getting it, especially as I've witnessed baby-step successes!

My conclusion: Truly our trials are specially crafted just for us and indeed are "set apart as holy" by the Lord, consecrated for our gain, if we will trust Him to craft us into a perfect being. How truly grateful, therefore, we must be to Him, for He is the ONLY way of becoming whole, complete, "hallow."

Originally posted 8/20/08.