In my studying of the scriptures this year, my study book (Come, Follow Me), said this, “If you ever wonder why bad things happen to good people, you may find insights in these chapters. But perhaps more important, you will see what good people do when bad things happen. This was compelling for me. I’m at the beginning of an unknown journey, but one that will certainly include some bad days, bad weeks, maybe even a bad outcome. I want to know the things I can do to stay strong and positive and find joy through it all. This is the list I came up with as I read 1 Nephi 16-18, which is part of a story about a family’s journey through the wilderness, and the challenges they faced. I thought perhaps these thoughts might help you as you face your challenges. They have already helped me as I’m facing mine. Questions I asked myself as I studied: “How I will respond?” and “How the Lord can help me?”

*See how I can help myself?…The Lord can give me promptings of things to do.

*Ask for a blessing…Through the Priesthood, God will help, teach, guide and comfort me.

*Help others trust the Lord’s perfect plan…He will strengthen me as I testify of Him.

*Immerse myself in the scriptures daily…The Lord will bless, comfort, encourage and lift me.

*Get up and try to accomplish something…God can help me find joy and satisfaction in the things I can do and will guide me to meaningful things within my capacity.

*Acknowledge that it is God that heals, inspires, strengthens, guides the doctors, makes miracles…He can help me see all the ways His hand is in my life; carrying me when I can’t.

*Keep the commandments, keep my covenants…God will lead me to His greatest blessings, and I will know that it was His hand doing it.

*Trust in God’s way to heal me. There may come a time when I have to exercise great faith to trust the doctors, or to deviate from their direction…God knows everything, and He will guide me.

*Trust that even the hardest things can be turned into good. Trust in His will and timing. He does know what my family and I need…All these things will give me experience, and be for my good and the good of my family. I do love my Heavenly Father and trust in Him.

*Praise God, even in the midst of pain…He will help me carry my burdens and lighten them.

*Let myself feel God’s love…He will be close