The strongest tree in the forest is not the one that is sheltered from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands out in the open where it must struggle for its existence against the fierce winds and pouring rains and the scorching sun.
My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:5-7, 11).
Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you — Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face (Doctrine and Covenants 95:1, 2).
...so comfortingly true. :) *love the photo!
ReplyDeleteNow if only I could get my son to understand this :)
ReplyDeleteIt is true! It is just sometimes, so hard to remember!!
ReplyDeleteYou saved me tonight, I just wanted to let you know.
ReplyDeleteI love that saying. It a great reminder that we need to stand tall for what is right so that we can grow stronger within our own selves.
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