Playing Your Part

Some time ago, I wrote about the importance of identity and possessing a sense of belonging. Recent experiences with the COVID 19 pandemic have left a lot of people yearning for this sense of belonging, and an understanding of what part they are to play in their community.

Playing part to something greater connects us to our immediate environment, giving us purpose, motivation, health, and happiness. But for many of us, finding out exactly what part we are to play can prove a significant undertaking.

Some of us may feel naturally drawn down a certain path, while others might struggle and walk many paths. Some of us will know with a certainty what direction they are headed, while others might wander in apparent aimlessness. There is no one way to discover your role, and there really is no right way to play your part.

YOUR PART

So what part are you to play? 

In his 2019 General Conference address, Elder Hans T. Boom gave some insight into how we might discover the role we ought to be playing:

“If you are wondering about your part, I would like to invite you to find a place where you can be alone and ask Heavenly Father to make known to you which part to play. The answer will probably come gradually and then more clearly when we have set our feet more firmly on the covenant and ministering path.”

In answer to our prayers for direction, God may suggest or whisper which parts we might successfully play, but ultimately He gives us power and responsibility identify our part, and then apply our unique talents and abilities towards playing that part. That being said, I believe we have some concrete methods of discovering which parts we should play, and which ones we should avoid.

Elder Boom offers more insight:

What is the way? The way is to help each other understand who we are by ministering to each other…ministering is exercising divine love.

To me, ministering is exercising divine love. In that way we create an environment where both the giver and the receiver obtain a desire to repent. In other words, we change direction and come closer to and become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Love might be the one great indicator that we are playing the right part. If you wonder whether a part might be right for you, the answer might be found in the consideration of the following questions:

- Does this role provide me opportunities to love others?

- Does it allow me to feel love from others? From God?

- Does it increase my capacity to love?

[In exercising divine love]... we create an environment where both the giver and the receiver obtain a desire to repent. In other words, we change direction and come closer to and become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

... It is in creating this environment of love that they (and we) will be empowered to make the necessary changes in [our] lives and become better people.

When ministering to a fledgling church after the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, the apostles of the early church inherited a unique challenge to organize, maintain, and preside over a nascent and growing church. Much of what the apostles dealt with was the question of what roles needed filled and who should fill them. In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul gives us another hint that might help us recognize if the part we play is right for us:

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ;

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacated by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

(Ephesians 4:11-16)

What does Paul have to say about everyone playing their part?

- There are many roles to fill; many parts to play.

- Though each may be different, they all serve to edify and uplift.

- Playing your part creates an environment of unity, peace, harmony, and security.

- With everyone playing their part, communities will become self-sufficient and self-reliant.

If you experience often the feelings of peace, self-reliance, confidence, love, and harmony, chances are you playing an important part and having a positive influence in your immediate environment. Chances are you are playing your part.

On the contrary, if chaos and confusion accompany you day after day, you have some work to do. You might not be in the right role. You might be in the right role, but your efforts to carry out that role are lackadaisical or pedestrian. You might be willfully declining to take on any role, choosing instead to play the part of lazy spectator or poisonous critic. One thing you can know for certain, is that if you don't take the necessary steps to repent and join the chorus, you will miss out on the incredible blessings that come with serving, edifying, and ministering to others.

The show must go on, with or without you.

NO SMALL PARTS

We need all instruments. Some of us learn easily and do very well in school, while others have artistic talents. Some design and build things or nurse, protect, or teach others. We are all needed to bring color and meaning to this world.

We often like to think that the world revolves around the Captain America's and Luke Skywalker's of the world. We reserve the highest degrees of glory, adulation, and honor for the protagonist who can deal the finishing blow, or make the final shot. What we forget, is that the main story never unfolds in a vacuum. A single character never propels the story forward alone. In fact, when looking closer at the heroic accounts and nail-biting narratives, we find that many of those special moments of emotional victory only happen because of the sacrifice, the diligence, and the heroism of the unsung character.

Frodo does not save Middle-Earth without the help of an unrenowned gardener and friend, Samwise Gamgee.

Peter Quill does not become an esteemed and charming galactic guardian without the paternal guidance and protection of a scoundrel, Yondu Udonta.

Bruce Wayne does not effectively don the cowl and cape of the Batman without the dedicated support and loyalty of his butler, Alfred Pennyworth.

The heroic accounts may revolve around the protagonist, but the victorious outcome of the story always hinges on those whose presence remains unheralded, unappreciated, and often unnoticed.

While you may be the protagonist of your story, it would be wise to remember that your story is not necessarily the main story. You should not shy away from playing a part in other stories where you can have a positive impact, even if that means you don't take center stage. Your impact in an auxiliary role might be far more important in a bigger story than your larger role in a smaller story.

In the biblical record, no character seems to exemplify the importance of the smaller role than Jonathan.

The first book of Samuel introduces us to Jonathan in the midst of a great conflict between the Philistines and the Israelites. We learn that Jonathan is the son of Saul, Israel's first king. In our first look at Jonathon, we see him heroically (if not irrationally) taking the bitter fight directly to the Philistines. Accompanied by his shield bearer, he scales the walls of an intimidating garrison, slaughters a handful of unsuspecting Philistines, and leads his small band of soldier to a decisive victory over a humiliated Philistine army.

Being next in line for the throne, Jonathan seemed poised to rule over a people that loved him and with the blessing of a God that favored him. So few people get the chance to play a role so special and so coveted. How many of us would balk at that the chance to be king? But this is what makes Jonathan so special. Jonathan doesn't simply balk (balking is not in his character). Jonathan rejects the kingly role outright.

Around this time, we are also introduced to one of the Bible's most prolific and revered heroes, David. Fresh from the shepherds fields, David defends the fledgling Israelite Kingdom from the Philistine armies. David defeats Goliath, wins impossible victory after impossible victory, and gains immense popularity among the Israelites. Samuel the prophet even anoints David as king, sealing his fate and putting him on a collision course with Jonathon and his familial claim to the throne. The stage is set for an intense and bloody power struggle.

How does Jonathan respond?

The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Jonathan makes a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. (1 Samuel 18:1,3)

When encouraged to kill David for political gain, Jonathan refuses. He defends David. (1 Samuel 19:1-7)

For a second time, Jonathan renews his covenant with David, favoring loyalty, peace, and friendship over personal gain and royal fame.(1 Samuel 20)

When David finds himself burdened and troubled, Jonathan offers comfort and aid. Then he does it again... and again. (1 Samuel 23:16-18)

From the Biblical record, we begin to see and appreciate just how special Jonathan is. We see what separates a man of Jonathan's character from lesser men. Jonathan understands his role. Jonathan accepts his role. Jonathan plays his role with dignity, efficacy, and to profound effect. In the end, there is no David without Jonathan.

On the surface, we might judge that Jonathan is taking a lesser role; that he appears comfortable taking a back seat. But I don't think that is in Jonathan's nature. He is still the same man who storms the Philistine garrison with reckless abandon. He is still the same man who leads armies into battle. There is no doubt in my mind that Jonathan would have continued to play a significant role in Israelite history, even if it was in the shadow of the great King David. 

For Jonathan, there were no small parts in the greater story that was unfolding before him. Jonathan exemplifies selflessness and the ability to envision things greater than himself. He showed us that our duty to accomplish or succeed is the same whether we are in or out of the spotlight. 

Jonathan teaches us another important lesson on playing our part well. Some parts we get to choose, while other roles are thrust upon us without warning. Some parents become single parents. Some husbands and wives become widowers and widows. Some princes don't become kings. We don't always choose the roles required of us. However, the way we approach our roles and play our parts is entirely up to us.

The Lord expects us to use our uniqueness and our autonomy to "act well thy part ... what e'er thou art."

Like Jonathan, we can learn to accept and carry out the roles given to us, regardless of how socially, economically, or spiritually undesirable they may be. "Remember:" warned Russian theater practitioner Konstantin Stanslavski, "there are no small parts, only small actors."

ONLY SMALL ACTORS

The example of Jonathan shows us the impact of a great man or woman can have, even in roles we might deem small parts. In contrast, the example of Saul shows us the negative impact of lesser men and women who misuse or misunderstand their role.

Saul is the other significant character in the history of David's ascension to the Israelite throne. Samuel first anoints Saul to be king over the Israelites. The scriptures introduce Saul as "a choice young man". We are told "there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people."

Samuel feels impressed by the Lord to anoint Saul to be king, and on the surface the decision seems to be a rational one. Saul is from the warrior tribe of Benjamin. He is kingly in appearance. More importantly, God informs Samuel that Saul is His choice.

Very soon, however, we begin to see that Saul does not possess the same understanding and discernment possessed by Jonathan. In fact, from the very beginning, Saul struggles to understand his role as king, and disregards the importance of others' roles:

Saul is chastised for assuming priesthood roles reserved for the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 12:9-13)

Saul fails to dutifully play his military role, sparing the lives of Agag and disobeying God's commandments. (1 Samuel 15:32-33) *In perhaps one of the more astonishing teaching moments of the Old Testament, the aged Samuel takes matters into his own hands and hacks Agag to pieces right in front of Saul.*

Saul gets jealous over David's military success, a role Saul himself delegated to David time and time again. (1 Samuel 18:5-9)

Saul displays increasing fear, anxiety, and paranoia over David and others, showing that he lacks confidence in his role as king of Israel (1 Samuel 18:12-15)

In stark contrast to his son Jonathan, King Saul shows that lesser men who are asked to play a part of greatness seldom rise to the occasion. The mantle doesn't make the man or woman. This is important to remember when, to your complete bewilderment, you eventually discover that insignificant men and women are sometimes placed into significant roles.

Before we judge Saul too harshly, I think we best recognize some patterns here, and take an honest look at how we might be guilty of some similar sins.

Do you faithfully execute the duties and responsibilities assigned to you? Or do you instead covet the power and popularity of someone else and the role that they have?

Do you have confidence in your current role and trust that you're making a difference? Or do you guard your position jealously; using and manipulating people around you to protect your power or influence?

Do you recognize your shortcomings and seek to improve your performance within the role entrusted to you? Or do you look outside yourself to blame others, focusing on the way others are playing their part?

While no one wishfully compares themselves to the disastrous King Saul, we should posses enough self-awareness that we have to potential to fall into the same patterns of weakness. It should be worth noting that the only thing likely keeping us from matching Saul's degree of damage and destruction is the fact that we are not asked to play the part of king or ruler.

The great tragedy of King Saul was not that he was imperfect, or that he experienced failure. The real tragedy was that he was incapable of understanding his role as king, and respecting the roles that others were playing around him. The reign of King Saul might have been very different if he had focused on his part, while simultaneously respecting the parts played by Samuel, Jonathan, David, and God.

CHANGING PARTS

Lest you believe that I am advocating for complacency or satisfaction with your current status, you should not be under any impression that ambitions or aspirations are wicked or useless. The Lord expects that we aim for lofty achievements. He expects that we pursue bigger and better things. However, we should not pursue a grandiose future position at the expense of an efficacious attitude towards our current position.

As you pass through life, circumstances constantly change, and life will require you to play different parts to meet different challenges. Sons become men. Men become husbands. Wives become mothers. Gardeners become warriors, and warriors become gardeners. You should expect that life will require changes from you.

Helaman became a prominent military figure, but only after he had served in the capacity as a prophet.

Peter became a fearless ecclesiastical leader, but only after he had followed and witnessed Christ's earthly ministry.

Even Christ needed a period of growth and development prior to fulfilling his divinely appointed role as Savior and Redeemer of the world.

Some roles are preparatory; serving to qualify us for bigger more important roles in the future. In preparing to become husbands or fathers, we should be engaged in roles that allow us to develop kindness, discernment, and righteous dominion. For example, men should play those parts that build them into fatherly figures, and women should play those parts that build them into motherly figures. For those that learn to excel at playing the part of an uncle, aunt, role model, or mentor, these stand a better chance of succeeding in those grander roles that await them in the future.

Thought our parts may change, our purpose remains the same:

...to help each other understand who we are by ministering to each other…

In the end, we are to love, uplift, and edify one another. For this reason, we ought to seriously consider what parts we play in our family and our community. We should consider the impact we are having in our immediate environment. If anything seems out of harmony, we must either consider a change of course, or a change of attitude towards the parts we have been asked to play.

Lessons from Endurance

The Morning of May 20, 1916 started out as a typical day at Stromness Bay. Located on the remote South Atlantic island of South Georgia, this isolated station served as the home for gritty sailors and hardy workers employed in the whaling industry.

Being so remote, the citizens of Stromness enjoyed few luxuries, and few special events. Probably the most exciting thing to have happened in their cold corner of the world was the opportunity to play host to Ernest Shackleton's ship, The Endurance, and the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. That was December of 1914, and both the expedition and the famous Shackleton had been missing for over 540 days, presumably lost at sea or frozen dead somewhere in the unforgiving landscape of the Antarctic Circle. But at 3 o'clock that afternoon, these secluded whalers of Stromness Bay would play witness to one of the greatest moments of modern day exploration.

Breaking the monotony of the days labor, three figures approached the small harbor. In what must have been the first time ever, these strangers approached the harbor settlement on foot, not by sea. They had come from the mountainous interior of South Georgia island, a landscape considered largely inhospitable.To the citizens of Stromness, these figures appeared otherworldly; faces black, beards unkempt, and tattered coats of skin. The image of these men was enough to send some younger Stromness boys running in fear.

A gathering crowd greeted the strange party in awed silence. When the senior figure of the mysterious trio spoke at last, he did so in perfect English. He requested an audience with the head of operations stationed at Stromness Bay. His request was granted.

Workers brought the men before the manager of Stromness Bay, Mr. Petter Sorlle; an experienced Norwegian captain and inventor. He must have looked on these men in perplexity and trepidation...

"Well?" Sorlle inquired tersely.

"Don't you know me?", asked the senior member of the trio disbelievingly.

Now more puzzled, Sorlle responded "I know your voice. You're the mate of the Daisy."

"My name," answered the man, "is Shackleton."

Against all odds, the entire 28 man crew of the Endurance had survived being shipwrecked, marooned, and starved in perhaps the most inhospitable corner of the planet. And while the ship Endurance itself had not survived, the virtue of endurance sustained these men through the worst circumstances bred by mother nature, and ultimately carrying them back to safety.

If ever you get an opportunity to read about the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, I would highly recommend it. In it, I have found some of the most impressive accounts of courage and determination. For me, it became a profound example of brotherhood and heroism. But aside from profound respect and admiration for Shackleton and the men of the Endurance, I enjoyed the lessons that their hardships had impressed upon my mind. I found comfort and encouragement that I might be able to personally apply lessons of endurance in my daily endeavors.

Life presents us all with hardship and difficulties, and even though they might not reach the extreme levels endured by Shackleton's crew, these trials can still take place in a cold, hopeless, and unforgiving environment. Understanding the circumstances of Shackleton's wrestle with mother nature can help you better understand your untapped capacity to overcome, withstand, and endure.

These are the lessons I learned from Endurance:

There are no rescue parties:

Far removed from our world of instant and consistent communication, Shackleton's company adventurously set out for the most remote and largely unexplored territory of the world. The trip was risky, even by today's standards.

Until that morning of May 20, 1916, no one in Shackleton's company had seen or heard any sign of human existence for more than a year. So lonely and isolated had they become, that upon hearing the whalers steam whistle on that May morning, Shackleton, Frank Worsley, and Tom Crean, paused for a long moment of emotional reverence and suppressed joy.

For the rest of the world, no one knew of the plight of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. No comprehensive searches or inquiries were commissioned. No rescue attempts were planned. The world assumed Shackleton had failed, perishing in an icy or watery grave. Without any news or communication going to or  coming from the outside world, the fate of the Endurance crew seemed all but sealed. There would be no rescue party, and they knew it.

The world in general will regard your hardships with total indifference, if it is to give any regard your hardships at all. Most people do not know your struggles, and even more people don't even care to know. This is the first lesson of Endurance: There are no rescue parties.

I know this sounds cold and unfeeling. Understanding this may induce fear and anxiety. But this is an important truth you must embrace if you are to endure. For the men of the Endurance, this understanding was their reality; their misfortune. But it was also their salvation. They understood that their circumstances were uniquely their own, and as such it was within their power to do something about it. In fact, they were the only ones who could do something about it.

Shackleton and company knew the precariousness of their situation. They knew that their world at large was in the midst of the global conflict (known to us now as World War I). The global community and their beloved British Empire would have had their hands full and their minds preoccupied with the immediate crises before their own eyes. Likewise, we should understand that our social circle is also dealing with their own struggles. They too are blind to your plights. We find luxuries such as sympathy and charity in short supply, especially if we expect them from others who are enduring their own difficult circumstances.

Knowing this, Shackleton and company chose action over inaction. Instead of hoping for an unlikely rescue, they actively endured by taking stock of their situation, their resources, and their talents; combining them towards a collective goal of enduring and surviving.

To endure is to act. It does not mean sitting still. It does not mean waiting it out. Those who have learnd to endure things well have learned to act and to not be acted upon.

This does not dismiss the charitable efforts offered by loving family or friends. Neither does this mean that we should be distant and aloof towards the plight of others. Of course we should still provide aid were we can, and support where we must. What I think this lesson illustrates is that a man with no family, no friends, or no immediate source of relief has the same capacity to endure as the man who is fortunate enough to have all these things. If we understand that there are no rescue parties, we understand that our ability to endure is not dependent on the aid, comfort, or succor provided by others.

Friends cannot rescue you from depression. Spouses cannot save you from loneliness. Siblings cannot deliver you from anxiety. Parents cannot spare you from the consequences of an aimless life. Though they're intent may be pure and their efforts noble, others will not save you. They will not rescue you. They cannot rescue you.

Full relief, full recovery, or full rescue is on your shoulders… no one else’s.

This thought should empower you. It is within your power to overcome! Other's may assist or facilitate, but you are the one in absolute control of your rescue.

You get what you need... but only when you need it:

With limited resources and wretched conditions, the survival of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition lived in a state of constant serious need. In short time, Shackleton and company lost one luxury after another. Things we consider a necessity, such as dry clothing, solid shelter, and readily available water, were rarely enjoyed during their months-long struggle. If they were able to sleep, they often did so in melted puddles created from their own body heat. If they were able to eat, they often did so in severely rationed portions. If they were able to work, they often did so in clothes soaked in sweat, sea water, and icy chunks. However, when their situation seemed most dire, relief came at the exact moment to meet an exact need.

Food in the form of seals and penguins who crossed their path just as rations depleted.

Ice packs broke apart and drifted just moments before the ice flows upon which they camped capsized into the frigid waters of the Weddell Sea.

They reached islands just as water sources turned brackish and undrinkable.

On occasion, the sun would shine just enough to convert miserably drenched rags into manageably damp clothing.

For the crew of the Endurance, they seemed to exist miracle to miracle, with prolonged and uncomfortable periods of suffering and misery in between. Even so, relief came in a series of minor (even imperceptible) miracles. They had their needs met... but only when they truly needed it.

The human spirit seems to understand this implicitly. It is a common theme in art, literature, and cinema, that at just the moment where all hope seems lost, victory is snatched from the jaws of defeat. Somehow, Gandalf the White finds a way to save Helms Deep. Iron Man finds the 1/14,000,065 chance to save the universe. The Patriots come back from a 28-3 deficit to win a championship in the final quarters of the Superbowl. Our needs get met, but only at a time and manner specific to our greatest need.

Recent experiences have taught me this principle on a very personal level:

Nothing matters more to me than the privilege of being a father. Of the many experiences I have had, the most significant and fulfilling ones I have enjoyed I have enjoyed in the capacity of a father.

In recent years, I've endured some incredibly unpleasant moments where my paternal competency and integrity has been called into question in a very public fashion. The works of slander, manipulation, and gossip have run rampant, impacting my life in ways I could never have imagined. Though unfortunate, and unnecessary, these are my circumstances. I have found enough strength and confidence in my life, that these circumstances rarely have an impact on me... rarely.

No one lives under these circumstances totally unscathed and unimpacted. From time to time, enough doubt, frustration, and heart-ache can lead someone to question and doubt themselves, even with all evidence to the contrary. This has been my experience from time to time. At times, my spirit feels anchored and buried in grief and resentment. When I think about how my mental weariness might be impacting my abilities, anxiety only worsens things. Though few and far between, these moments unfortunately darken what should be a bright day.

Precisely at one of those moments this week, a dear friend offered his thoughts and assurances without any solicitation. I was touched by his very specific and very pointed compliments, each addressing a vulnerability or doubt I had been experiencing just moments before reading his words. I hadn't recognized that this was a need I had, and it came at a moment precisely when I had needed it most.

Our needs are met when we need it, not when we think we need it.

With that in mind, it is important to remember that relief like this may not be the final solution. It rarely is. But it is the necessary solution for a necessary time. The mana that fell from the heavens did not solve the Israelites main problem of entering the promised land. Harvested seals and penguins did not solve Shackleton's main problem of returning to civilization. This type of help facilitates, it does not intervene. If we are to endure towards victory, WE must endure. WE must earn the victory. WE must outlast.

For the final grueling descent into Stromness Bay, Shackleton, Woresly, and Crean all felt the very real presence of a fourth companion who did not appear at the whaling station. Of this fourth companion, Shackleton wrote:

"I have no doubt that providence guided us... I know that during that long and racking march of 36 hours over the unnamed mountains and glaciers it seemed to me often that we were four, not three."

It would appear that this fourth companion had appeared in a time of need, and their presence helped propel their rescue party towards success. Even still, it was the three, and not the fourth, who endured, outlasted, and earned the victory.

It is worth knowing that this was at the tail end of their struggle. They had already suffered and accomplished so much. Their experience, and many others like it, would seem to support the promise offered in Ether 12:6:

"... for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

You don't know your own strength:

Strength comes in many forms. For Shackleton's crew, survival depended largely on their ability harness and apply physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength.

For the crew of the Endurance, setbacks, bad-luck, and misfortune were the norm... not the exception. Mere months into their 500 plus day exile, plans A through Z had already been exhausted:

- They couldn't reach mainland Antarctica when their ship became trapped in ice flows.

- They couldn't seek shelter onboard their ship when the ice pack slowly crushed it to pieces.

- They couldn't camp on the ice-flows indefinitely as they broke apart beneath their feet.

- They couldn't haul their rescue boats toward open sea as they were too heavy to pack.

- They couldn't keep alive their sled dogs while preserving enough food and resources for themselves.

Plans A through Z failed abysmally, and they were left in constant peril, with each day getting incrementally and progressively more precarious.

Shackleton constantly concerned himself for the safety of well-being of his men. Aside from preserving their physical strength, he dedicated himself to preserving their moral, their mental strength, and their emotional strength. Shackleton's ability to preserve and then strategically call upon the strength of his men was a major contributing factor in their ability to endure.

At that point where you think you have given everything, every ounce of grit, blood, and courage, know that you have really only scratched the surface of your immense potential. You cannot know what you truly can give, or how far you truly can go until you are in the thick of adversity itself. Even then, you are simply experiencing a taste of the potential that you have within you; a potential that increases substantially with each passing hardship.

Ironically, the same elements that seemed intent on killing the crew of the Endurance likely contributed to their developing strength sufficient to endure the harrowing ordeal of surviving the Antarctic Circle, crossing the Weddell Sea, and finding help on the island of South Georgia. In similar fashion, our challenges and difficulties can serve as stepping stones towards greater resilience. Or they can become stumbling blocks that weigh us down into total despair. That choice is ours to make.

I think this is what God means when He promises that "[He] will not suffer [us] to be tempted above that [we] are able". When He promises this, He is giving us a little glimpse into our potential to withstand and overcome. Some people have faced some of the most intense trials and hardships, and even so He knows that they are able to endure them. In fact, He would have us know that we are uniquely qualified to face our personal struggles.

Wise men in history have a unique understanding of this. Roman Emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelias would discourage us from asking "Why, God, did this happen to me?" Instead, we should proclaim "Thank God this happened to me!"

"I can bear it without pain, neither crushed by the present nor fearful of the future. Because such a thing could have happened to any man, but not every man could have borne it without pain. So why see more misfortune in the event than good fortune in your ability to bear it?"

- Marcus Aurelius - 

Thank God! Because I can handle this.

Thank God! Because I am uniquely qualified to handle this.

Thank God! Because others might not be able to handle this.

You can handle your hardships. You can overcome.

When your day feels cold and miserable, you can draw on deep hidden stores of strength. When your in those moments of dire need, you will find your needs met. And when your environment is dark and hopeless, you will find that it is entirely within you to rescue yourself from the hardships that beset you. This is what it means to endure.