Elder Quentin L. Cook on facing the challenges of life

Elder Cook (1940- ) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"Among the most frequently asked questions of Church leaders are, Why does a just God allow bad things to happen, especially to good people? Why are those who are righteous and in the Lord’s service not immune from such tragedies? 

"While we do not know all the answers, we do know important principles that allow us to face tragedies with faith and confidence that there is a bright future planned for each of us. Some of the most important principles are: 

"First, we have a Father in Heaven, who knows and loves us personally and understands our suffering perfectly. 

"Second, His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer, whose Atonement not only provides for salvation and exaltation but also will compensate for all the unfairness of life. 

"Third, the Father's plan of happiness for His children includes not only a premortal and mortal life but also an eternal life as well, including a great and glorious reunion with those we have lost. All wrongs will be righted, and we will see with perfect clarity and faultless perspective and understanding."

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Songs They Could Not Sing," General Conference October 2011
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There are many unpleasant things that happen in the world. There are unpleasant things that happen in our individual lives from time to time. And some of them just seem unfair, unjust, undeserved. As Elder Cook implies, there is often no explanation to justify these events; but an understanding of doctrines and principles helps us cope. With that understanding, the hope of eternity glows brightly in the hearts of true disciples.

How blessed we are to know:

• Our Father in Heaven knows us personally and loves us profoundly
• Jesus is our Redeemer and his Atonement compensates for all wrongs
• There is an eternal plan of happiness and eventually we will understand the meaning behind all challenges of our life.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 29, 2015