Blessings that come through Adversity

Recently, when several friends commented to me on the same day about the severity of the past challenges and experiences in my life, I was somewhat surprised, but then was prompted to remember the experiences and challenges of Nephi, a pre-columbian American disciple of Jesus Christ:
"...And if it be so that the children of men keep the commandments of God, he doth nourish them and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them..." (1 Nephi 17:3)
And so it goes, that while my trials and tribulations have not been as severe as those experienced by some, nor am I as worthy as I need and ought to be, I nonetheless have been blessed to realize the purpose of our lives and to appreciate Nephi's counsel when he pointed out that "...the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power unto the fulfilling of his word..." (1 Nephi 18:11), and he "..did look unto...God and...(he) did not murmur against the Lord because of (his) afflictions." (1 Nephi 18:16)
For the rest of Nephi's story and a free copy of the Book of Mormon, call 1-888-537-2200 (toll free, at any hour of the day).