After their fall in the garden, the Lord God informed Adam and Eve that the earth would bring forth “thorns” and “thistles”, that they would eat their bread by the “sweat of [their]face”, and that “cursed shall be the ground for [their] sake.” (Moses 4:23-25). From this beginning, we are taught that mortal life would be full of challenges and problems, some of which may require our near constant attention. I suspect all of us need look no further than our own lives to testify of this truth. God also presents here the idea that there can be something beneficial for us as we face these challenges–that this is done for our sake. This principle was also taught to Joseph Smith when the Lord said that his trials and challenges would “give (him) experience, and be for (his) good” and that “my people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory I have for them” (D&C 122:7; 136:31).

Facing and solving problems is a key challenge and opportunity for us in this mortal life. Like Esther seeking to save her people or the brother of Jared trying to find light for the barges, the Lord gives us a chance to work to solve our problems.  And just as He did for Esther and the brother of Jared, He will help us in the process.  

The manual My Foundation for Self Reliance suggests 3 steps to consider as we solve problems:

1. Identify:  What is the real problem?

2. Study Options:  What are possible solutions? Which one is best?

3. Decide and Act:  Pray for guidance. Decide. Then act in faith.  Good results?  If not, try steps 1-3 again. Don’t give up!

Below are a few principles that are meaningful to me regarding facing and solving problems.  These can be woven into and augment the above principles:

1. “Good inspiration is based on good information.” - President Russell M. Nelson

2. Related to #1: “Revelation is scattered among us.” - Neil L. Andersen

3. “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” -President Thomas S. Monson

4. “When we are acting as instruments in behalf of others, we are more easily inspired than when we think only of ourselves. In the process of helping others, the Lord can piggyback directions for our own benefit.” - Richard G. Scott

5. “What do you do when you have prepared carefully, prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of [Heavenly Father’s] trust.  When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust.  As you are sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit, one of two things will certainly occur at the appropriate time: either the stupor of thought will come, indicating an improper choice, or the peace or the burning in the bosom will be felt, confirming that your choice was correct.  When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made a wrong decision.” - Richard G. Scott

I pray that these principles will help us all as we seek to solve problems “in the strength of the Lord” (Mosiah 9:17). In closing, I share a scripture that President Munson recently reminded me of, penned by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who himself faced great challenges in his life. 

“Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed” (D&C 123:17).

With love and faith in the Lord’s ability to lift and bless our efforts.

Brent Weed