Remembering the miracle

I feel all of us can relate to going through hard times.  Sometimes it's because we may be suffering physically, emotionally or spiritually.  It may be because someone we know and love may be suffering through these same difficulties.  Sometimes it's because of financial hardships. Many right now are suffering discouragement because of lack of employment and the physical repercussions that brings.  It may be an unexpected death of a loved one.  Sometimes it's just plain disappointment.  There is no way to avoid it; all of us go through hard times. 

I find myself when facing these sorts of trials relying on a certain amount of optimism to get me through.  Hoping that everything will all work out for the best, hoping that there is something I am suppose to learn through all this that will benefit someone in the future, hoping that my faith is enough to know that Heavenly Father knows better than I, or maybe hoping for some sort of miracle to make it all go away.

I do believe in miracles.  I believe in the power of the priesthood on the earth today.  I believe that my Heavenly Father does know more than I do, and can see the end from the beginning.  I believe there are some things I have to face so I can learn what He already knows, and there are some things I have to face just because I'm human and make mistakes.  But more importantly, sometimes the simple fact is, the miracle we are looking for may have already happened.

The miracle we need may be as simple as turning to the atonement for strength.  Turning to the knowledge that our Savior sacrificed for us so we can live with He and our Heavenly Father again.  Turning to the knowledge that we can be forgiven of our sins, that the pain He suffered on that cross is not only to bear sorrow we feel when we make a mistake, but to bear sorrow we feel when we are facing difficult times in our lives.  Knowing that if we are willing to hand over the heartache to Him, that He will take it from us.   Sometimes, we are so caught up in our moment of distress we don't reach out to hold on to the one thing that can save our hearts and our souls.  We may not be able to see far enough to see the end that is in His sight.  We may not be able to see the big picture and to know this small moment is really a lot smaller that we think.

The simple truth is the miracle that really matters, the miracle that can really make a difference in every difficulty we face has already happened.  Remembering that over two thousand years ago our Savior suffered through the atonement and because of that He knows every pain, every heartache, every disappointment I feel.  Remembering that three days after He did everything necessary to take the pain away He was resurrected and as a result I can have eternal life.  Remembering that the only one who keeps Him from feeling peace when I am suffering is myself.  I'm not saying we don't need to grieve, and I'm certainly not saying we don't need to feel, but sometimes, I feel if we are willing to remember the miracle, He will make it easier, He will help us to understand, and He will help to sustain us so we can make it through even the hardest and most difficult of time.  And that is exactly why it is plain and simply, the greatest miracle of all.