President George Q. Cannon on God's support for His children

President George Q. Cannon (1827-1901) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1860. He served as counselor in the First Presidency to Brigham Young beginning in 1873, and then to the next three presidents, until his death in 1901.

"No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character. He is an unchangeable being; the same yesterday, the same today, and He will be the same throughout the eternal ages to come.

"We have found that God. We have made Him our friend, by obeying His Gospel; and He will stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep His commandments."

- George Q. Cannon, "Freedom of the Saints," in Deseret Evening News, Mar. 7, 1891, p. 4; or Collected Discourses, comp. Brian H. Stuy, 2:185

I love the faith and optimism expressed in this thought; it is even more needed today than it was 130 years ago when it was first shared. Not only do we believe God will never desert us in trials and afflictions, but he is not able to do so; his character and attributes insure that he will be with us and support us to the very end.

And the key, as always, is that "we have made Him our friend" through obedience and faithfulness. No matter the difficulty that comes, if we "trust in our God and keep His commandments," all will be well! What a beautiful expression of faith.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
January 11, 2016