Patience and Afflictions

"Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongest thy brethern, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give you success." Alma 26:27

Sometimes I feel like I am on a difficult path. As I reach obstacles I stop and consider giving up or not going any further. My heart is tired and I feel spent. This scripture is exactly what happens to me. The Lord comforts me, but does not take the challenge away. Instead I am told to return to my path and "bear with patience mine afflictions" and then the blessing of joy will come.

Bear..endure, patiently..with a humble heart. I've noticed that patience is often coupled with afflictions in the scriptures. In Romans 5:3-5 it says "..but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed broad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Okay, I'm not there yet. I do not glory in tribulations, but I see that is the attitude I need, because tribulations will help me develop patience, another christlike quality I need. Right along side developing patience I will find experience and then hope! Hope allows the love of God to enter into our hearts! This is the path that I need. It's time to get up and get going.