Elder Neil L. Andersen on the Savior's power to heal our wounds

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready.... Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers....

"Never give up—however deep the wounds of your soul, whatever their source, wherever or whenever they happen, and however short or long they persist, you are not meant to perish spiritually. You are meant to survive spiritually and blossom in your faith and trust in God.

"God did not create our spirits to be independent of Him. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the incalculable gift of His Atonement, not only saves us from death and offers us, through repentance, forgiveness for our sins, but He also stands ready to save us from the sorrows and pains of our wounded souls.

"The Savior is our Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:30–35), sent 'to heal the brokenhearted' (Luke 4:18; see also Isaiah 61:1). He comes to us when others pass us by. With compassion, He places His healing balm on our wounds and binds them up. He carries us. He cares for us. He bids us, 'Come unto me ... and I shall heal [you]' (3 Nephi 18:32)."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Wounded," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Andersen joined with others in the recent conference who discussed the challenges that come to us in life. Using the example of the missionaries who were critically injured in the airport bombing in Belgium, he emphasized that these trials and tests come to the righteous who are doing all they can to be faithful and obedient. But yet, when the trials come, "they can take our breath away" with their suddenness and severity.

But with the proper understanding of God's plan for our mortal experience, we can retain the perspective and hope that will allow us to endure through such challenges with faith and with Divine help. Elder Andersen teaches that we are "not meant to perish spiritually" and will not only survive but "blossom in your faith and trust in God" as we move forward, trusting in Him and drawing on the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

That's a beautiful reminder; the Savior will come to bind our wounds and carry us to safety as we trust in Him.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)