1.
Review
2 Corinthians 1:3–5; 4:5–17; Hebrews 12:6–7. Write why Paul and Timothy were
able to avoid despair despite being troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast
down.
Paul and Timothy were able to avoid despair because
they had a testimony of God and he is our comforter and is merciful unto his
children. He loves us and wants us to feel of his love and mercy. My favorite
scriptures that I think define this topic well from this section are 2nd
Corinthians 4: 8-9 “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are
perplexed, but not in despair...” “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but
not destroyed.”
2.
Explain
in writing how the teachings in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 can help during your tribulations
(see also D&C 121:7–8).
These scriptures help us to keep an eternal
perspective with our trials. They explain that our suffering will be for a
small moment and that we will look back on them and will be grateful for them
because they helped us to learn and grow. We may not see the benefits at the
time, but “the things that are not seen are eternal” (2nd
Corinthians 4:18)
3.
Review
2 Corinthians 11:24–31; 12:7; institute student manual commentary for 2
Corinthians 11:24, “What Was It Like to Be Scourged by the Jews?” (pp. 304–5);
and commentary for 2 Corinthians 12:7–9, “There Was Given to Me a Thorn in the
Flesh” (p. 305). In one or two paragraphs, list the similarities you know of
between Paul’s life and the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith as described in
Doctrine and Covenants 127:2.
Paul and Joseph Smith both suffered many things for
the gospel. They were both mocked and physically hurt in many ways due to all
of the persecution of others to the church. They both also found peace in God’s
promise to be with them. Joseph Smith in D&C 127:2 says: “I feel, like
Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers
delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth…” They both
knew that their tribulations that they passed through would be for a small
moment and that God would give them His power if they would but endure the
hardships.
4.
Read
2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Jacob 4:7; Ether 12:27; Bible Dictionary, “Grace” (p.
697). Write a paragraph detailing the role that grace plays in overcoming our
tribulations.
Grace in the Bible Dictionary says: “The main idea
of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous
mercy and love of Jesus Christ.” The scriptures listed above all give accounts
of how God helps us in our weak times to become strong. He literally gives us
his strength when we become weak. He allows us to learn and grow through our
trials and through that growth we become more like him and are lifted up by his
grace. God is there with us, helping us to overcome our tribulations.
5. Write a few sentences of how the Lord
answered Paul’s prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:7–10. Read Mosiah 24:13–15 and
describe in writing what the Lord did to bless the lives of the people
experiencing great tribulation without taking away their tribulation. How could
that experience help you as you seek the Lord for help in your times of
tribulation?
The Lord answers their prayers by telling them that
he will deliver them from bondage and ease their burdens. The Lord tells them
that he will do this for them so that they can later stand as His witnesses and
know that “he, the Lord does visit his people in their afflictions.”
This can help me keep an eternal perspective as I
pass through trials. It is hard to keep a positive attitude about life when
everything seems to go so wrong. These scriptures as well as 2nd
Corinthians 4:8-9 have helped me to see that we can still have hope in Christ
as we pass through tribulation. He will be there to help us and to give us his
strength as we are going through hard times in our lives.
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