What the Scriptures Teach Us About Adversity

We each face challenges, disappointments, discouragements, and doubts. Often, in the midst of these trials, we're unable to see beyond our immediate pain and confusion to the bigger picture. Sometimes our trials are so life-shattering that we lose sight of our faith.

Adversity is a crucial part of our life on earth. It is not surprising, then, that the scriptures are full of the Lord's counsel on dealing with adversity. From the persecution of the Prophet Joseph Smith to the crucifixion of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the scriptures contain many examples of historic hardship we can learn from. Best-selling author S. Michael Wilcox illuminates these stories, draws out crucial lessons, and helps us apply these lessons to our own lives.

What the Scriptures Teach Us about Adversity helps us remember the light when all around us is darkness. It provides examples that will encourage, enlighten, and sustain us in the midst of the hills and vales we travel through. It uncovers truths that will help us make sense of our suffering and provide the healing hope to which we must cling. By using the scriptures as a guide to dealing with adversity, we gain a better perspective of our own trials, role models that show us how to respond to challenges, and the strength and inspiration to "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope" (2 Nephi 31:20).

Table of Contents
Introduction: The Commonality of Adversity
1. Thou Knowest the Greatness of God
2. It Is Finished
3. Under the Juniper Tree
4. Thy Friends Do Stand by Thee
5. Thou Art Not Yet as Job
6. Tears upon the Mountains
7. In the Days When the Judges Ruled
8. Such As I Have
9. Sufficient unto the Day
10. How Many Loaves Have Ye?
11. When Paradise Is Lost
12. The Sword or the Angel
13. That Our Burdens May Be Light
Notes
Index

S. Michael Wilcox received his PhD from the University of Colorado and taught for many years at the LDS Institute of Religion adjacent to the University of Utah. He has spoken to packed crowds at BYU Education Week and has hosted tours to the Holy Land and to Church history sites. He has served in a variety of callings, including as bishop and counselor in a stake presidency. He has written many articles and books, including House of Glory, Sunset, 10 Great Souls I Want to Meet in Heaven, and Finding Hope. He and his late wife, Laurie, are the parents of five children