Thomas S. Monson on overcoming the challenges of life

President Monson (1927- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.

"Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required....

"Today in our hurried and hectic lives, we could well go back to an earlier time for the lesson taught us regarding crossing dangerous streets. 'Stop, look, and listen' were the watchwords. Could we not apply them now? Stop from a reckless road to ruin. Look upward for heavenly help. Listen for His invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matt. 11:28)."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Patience, a Heavenly Virtue," Ensign, Sept. 2002, pp. 2-7
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"Life is full of difficulties" — most of us can testify to that proposition. They do vary in severity, as President Monson comments, but that "unending supply of challenges" does continue to present itself to us, inviting us to learn patience as we strive to endure and resolve the problems presented in our specific and individual situation.

The lesson is always in considering how we respond to the challenges. Do we let them drive us to despair and alienation, or do we let them lead us to faith and confidence? President Monson, in his inimitable style, gives guidance on how to channel our responses to the best possible outcome. It involves stopping ourselves from following the path of natural reaction that could lead to greater problems; then learning to invoke divine help as we turn to God and allow him to strengthen us in the time of need. It is only in Him that we find rest and peace.