We all have trials. Most of us feel as if we are constantly living in trials. They seem as if they will never go away, like we are doomed to have a hard life, one that will never let us find peace. But we must not despair. Let us look at trials from a different light. How can they help us? How can we be happy in our trials? And how can we live the golden rule more fully even when we are being weighed down?

In the book, The Gift Of Acabar, the star Acabar explains to the boy, Tulo, the answer to these questions.

“If you had been born in luxury you wouldn’t have this marvelous opportunity to make yourself strong and resourceful through your own effort. To struggle is the only certain way for anyone to achieve his full potential. Did your mother give up when your father was taken from you? No! You should have learned from her example. Instead, you’ve done little but heap pity on yourself!”

“I can’t help it. I do try, but life seems so hopeless for me. I can’t even walk like other people.”

Acabar’s voice was like thunder. “There are other stars up there, stars like Beethoven, who was deaf… Milton, who was blind… And Lincoln, who lived in terrible poverty, far worse than yours. Hear me, Tulo! Adversity is not a curse, it is a blessing. The brightest stars in heaven are those who have been tested in the furnace of tribulation. Show me a human being who has never suffered adversity and I’ll show you the most unhappy person on earth!”

Slowly the star’s color turned a deep blue and his voice was soft as he continued.

“Tulo, you live in a world filled with people making excuses for their failure because it is always easier to quit than to keep trying. I cannot allow you to walk that path of despair.”

We all admire people in our lives or people that we have studied about that have gone through much tribulation. Take time to think about how their example has helped you be a better person. Now think about what would happen if they had given up. In order to truly live life’s golden rule, we must never give up in the face of adversity. Other people are counting on us to succeed. Our future children, our close friends, anyone in our circle of influence can be strengthened by our courage and strength to not give up in adversity.

We must welcome adversity because when we work through it we are stronger and our strength will lift others, just as we have at times been lifted by someone else’s courage and strength. Be strong. Face adversity with optimism and a desire to help others. We will make the world a better place, especially in the trials of our lives.