As most of you know, serving an LDS mission, is not a piece of cake. I recall the first couple of months in Mozambique and the challenges that I faced. I felt like I was drowning and couldn't stay afloat. This was particularly discouraging for me because I felt that I, as a missionary, should be on top of the world and not have to struggle emotionally. I started listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's CD, Peace Like A River as I studied my scriptures in the morning, and I found another "piece of peace" that helped me to overcome some hard times. That song inspired me, and I really love this version by Ronald Staheli because it tells his own story of the pain that he felt at the death of his son, but then the peace that still flowed into his heart.
I testify that Christ's atonement is real, and that it is the true source of peace that we all yearn for. I know that He died and suffered for us. This often times helps to alleviate our pains because it is comforting to know that someone has already suffered everything that we have felt. And yet, we still go through trials and tribulations, not out of punishment, but because Heavenly Father wants us to be able to go through even a tiny portion of what Christ went through as He suffered on the cross.
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17).
In this way, when we are crucified with Him (Romans 6:6), we are able to relate to Him and become more like Him. I pray that despite our pains, we will be able to find pieces of peace to comfort us.
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17).
In this way, when we are crucified with Him (Romans 6:6), we are able to relate to Him and become more like Him. I pray that despite our pains, we will be able to find pieces of peace to comfort us.
