Present Adversities Are for Our Good
Ether 6:5–8
5 And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind.
6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.
7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.
8 And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.
Elder Charles A. Callis said:
“We are told that when the Jaredites in their barges set forth for this land of promise, fierce and terrible tempests prevailed [see Ether 6:5–8]. The winds blew and they were in imminent danger all the while on that perilous journey. God sustained them. And we read that although these gales and tempests raged, holding destruction in their wake, that the wind was continually blowing toward the Promised Land. And these adversities through which we are passing, these terrible wars and all the horrible things that are prevailing, are in the power of God. He can stop them when He chooses, when His divine purposes are fulfilled. But let us not forget that through this sea of trouble, our adversities, the experiences through which we pass and which God will make work together for our good [see D&C 90:24], if we will obey Him—all these are blowing us forward to the haven of rest, to a glorious future, to eternal life, and unitedly we join in John’s loving response ‘. . . even so, come Lord Jesus’ [Revelation 22:20]. Amen.”
(In Conference Report, Apr. 1943, 62.)
