You know that power-packed scripture in Proverbs 3:5-6? “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.” 

It’s one of the most profound Bible passages that talk about God’s timing. Believing in Him means believing in His schedule for your life. When you look at the incredible stories in the scriptures and hear the testimonies of people who leaned into God’s timing, you see the blessings – they’re undeniable.

But if we let ourselves be honest, there will be days when we feel that the Lord’s timing is taking too long. 

Blessings seem to come slow. 

We have been waiting for a long time. 

It constantly feels like walking in life without winning anything while everyone else around is getting blessed. 

What do you do when you’re down to your last nerve, feeling totally drained, and maybe even questioning if God’s even listening while you’re waiting for His promises to show up?

What God’s Timing Really Means

When God’s time doesn’t coincide with yours, this does not mean God is being slow or forgetting about you. 

Think of it like this: your life is a masterpiece in progress, and God is the ultimate Artist. Remembering that God is in the details of our lives – like a good artist is – every moment, every delay, every unexpected turn becomes part of His divine design. 

When we talk about His timing, it’s not some random delay; it’s a perfect orchestration that goes way beyond what we can see with earthly perspective.

You might be hyper-focused on one little piece of the puzzle, maybe it looks messy or out of place, and you’re thinking, “Seriously, Heavenly Father?” 

But reader, please remember this: our Father in Heaven sees the whole canvas, the breathtaking beauty that’s going to be revealed. His timing isn’t Him saying “no”; it’s Him saying “not yet, because I’ve got something even better in store.” He knows the exact right moment for everything to come together in a way that brings you the deepest joy and helps you grow in ways you can’t even imagine right now.

So, when that clock feels like it’s moving in slow motion, take a moment to think of this: God operates on a whole different level. Trust His wisdom, because His timing is perfect. 

It takes grit and it takes faith that feels stretched thin sometimes. But when blessings come in His time, they’re gonna be richer, deeper, and more meaningful than anything you could have ever planned on your own. 

Here are some things you can remember every time waiting for the Lord feels exhausting. 

#1: Flashback to The Time Trusting The Lord’s Timing Bore Results

Trying to line up your “ASAP” with God’s “when it’s perfect” can be a battle. Here’s how to dig in and trust Him more when you’re feeling the wait:

When doubt starts whispering in your ear, hold on to the times God showed up for you before.

Think about a moment when trusting His timing led to blessings you never saw coming. Replay that in your mind. How did it unfold? How did God prove faithful? Holding onto those past victories will fire up your faith and give you the strength to trust Him right now. It’s like looking at your highlight reel to remember what our God is capable of.

#2: You’re a Child of God – And His Love For You Is Infinite

Never forget who you are in God’s eyes. You’re His beloved child, gifted with unique talents and potential that He’ll unleash in His perfect time. Think about a loving parent nurturing their kid’s abilities when they’re ready to soar, not before. That’s God with you. Knowing your divine identity gives you confidence and the assurance that He’s got your back every step of the way.

#3:Don’t Just Sit and Wait. Choose to Actively Wait.

Waiting on God ain’t about hitting pause on your life. It’s about actively becoming the person He wants you to be during the wait. Use this season to cultivate patience (yeah, it’s tough!), show love, and work hard. Find ways to serve, dive into His Word, and live in a way that honors Him. By actively growing and getting closer to God, you’re positioning yourself to receive those blessings when they’re ready to be poured out.

#4: Be More Aware of the Lord’s Small Blessings

Don’t be too focused on a big win – you might miss the small blessings the Lord has been sending your way.  

Even when the big answer feels delayed, God’s showing His love in the little things every single day. Open your eyes to those small blessings – a moment of peace, a kind word, a feeling of hope. Being grateful for these daily reminders of His presence will fuel your faith and remind you that He’s always working, even when you can’t see the full picture yet.

#5: Be Still and Know Who’s Got This

When anxiety tries to steal your peace, take a deep breath and remember who God is. Look back at the giants of faith – Moses leading a whole nation through the wilderness, David waiting years to take the throne, the Israelites sustained against all odds. These weren’t overnight successes. But God was faithful then, and guess what? He’s the same God today. His plans are rock-solid, and He will, in His perfect timing, deliver on His promises to you.

Child of God: Be True, Be Faithful, God’s Blessings Are On Your Way

When the weight of waiting feels crushing and you’re running on empty, remember you’re not alone in this battle. Reach out in prayer to the One who gives all good things. He knows your heart, your deepest desires, and your struggles. As you keep turning to Him with unwavering faith and trusting in His perfect timing, you’ll find the strength, the peace, and the ultimate fulfillment that only He can provide. Keep the faith, keep moving forward, and know that your breakthrough is coming.

The post God’s Timing: What To Do If It’s Taking Too Long appeared first on morefaith.ph.

David, drenched in sweat, ran towards the kitchen looking for his mom. He was starving after playing outside with his friends. It was a perfect sunny day to play. However, David felt the need to go home when his stomach grumbled.

He found his mom in the kitchen preparing his favorite meal. He had smelled it from the front door. Sinigang! — a Filipino pork dish with veggies in tamarind soup.

His stomach grumbled again, loud enough that his mom heard it from the kitchen.

“David, it’s already past lunchtime, that’s why your tummy is grumbling like a giant,” His mom said wiping away his sweat and setting the table for both of them.

There were only the two of them since David’s dad had passed away when he was a baby.

David was halfway done with lunch when he remembered something he wanted to ask his mother.

“Mom, what is spiritual hunger? My friend’s dad told us that our spirits get hungry too. He made us read some scriptures earlier and told us that it was food for our spirit. How does our spirit get hungry when it doesn’t have a stomach?”

David’s mom smiled at how fast he was eating his food, and at how innocent his question was.

“Yes, our spirits get hungry too even though they don’t have stomachs. They get hungry when we are not feeding them, because we also need to feed our spirits. Do you want to know what food they like?”

David beamed with joy and excitement. “Yes, mom! Can I feed my spirit? I want to feed my spirit! He must be hungry too! Does he also like sinigang?”

He and his mom cleaned up the table and got a bowl, a plate, and a basket ready on the table. His mom asked him to get his crayons, art paper, scissors, and markers. Then he saw his mom get the scriptures and hymn book.

“I have a plate, a bowl, and a basket here. We will fill this with food for our souls. Listen carefully as I explain, then you can draw on your art paper and cut your drawings out so we can put them in the plate, bowl, and basket.”

David stared at his mom waiting to draw on his art paper.

“Today, we’ll talk about three foods that we can feed our soul.

First, a plate of crispy and juicy scripture verses. I have some of your favorite scripture verses here. Now, go ahead and draw some fried chicken, then in the middle, let’s write the scripture verses. Every day, let’s eat one or two of these fried chicken scripture verses or as many as you’d like! Reading the scriptures will feed our souls because the scriptures contain the word of God, and our souls love them. These will make our spirits strong and healthy! The scriptures say, we should feast upon the words of Christ, for the words of Christ will tell us all the things that we should do.

Second, the bowl of love and service, full of warm hugs from our family and loved ones. You can draw and cut out some pork cuts and veggies from your art paper, and on every one of them, write the names of the people you love and care about. You can also write the names of the people you see often, like Mrs. Lopez from the school cafeteria, or Mr. Cruz, the street sweeper in our neighborhood. Every day, take as many names as you’d like and give them warm hugs. 

Giving love to other people helps our spirits feel God’s love too. These warm hugs can give you the warmth you feel when you eat your favorite sinigang. It doesn’t have to be hugs, you can also help and serve others to feel this warmth in your heart, which is one way to tell your spirit is feeling it too. You can also do this when you are feeling down or upset. As Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The best medicine for despair is SERVICE.”

Third, a basket of tender prayers glazed with sweet music. Remember the turon you love so much? Draw as many turon as you like on your art paper, then write down the blessings that you enjoy each day, and titles of songs or hymns that make you feel happy and closer to God. Each day when you wake up, take as many turons as you’d like from the basket, pray and thank our Heavenly Father for the blessings you receive each day, then sing or hum the songs that you picked. You can do this any time you want. Our spirits love prayers and uplifting music, too! Uplifting music is like a prayer to God, and listening to uplifting songs and praying gives our spirit more energy for the day.”

David used up all his art paper to fill the plate of crispy and juicy scripture verses, the bowl of love and service, and the basket of tender prayers and music. He was so excited to feed his spirit that he took one of each food.

“Mom, I’m feeding my spirit now!”

His mom smiled with great happiness as she looked at how he was enjoying feeding his spirit in these simple ways.

These three foods are not only for David but for all of us and our spirits. We feast upon these foods for the soul because they open the door to revelation and show us what we need to do and become.

Our spiritual health is equally important as our physical health, if not more. If we keep our souls healthy, we can be stronger, and more ready to face our everyday challenges in life. Keeping our souls healthy can also help us keep our physical bodies healthy. Then we can be more receptive to the inspiration and promptings of the Holy Ghost that will lead to safety and everlasting happiness.

These may seem simple and small steps to nurture and strengthen our spiritual health, and we may have forgotten the importance of it, but as Russell M. Nelson said, “What we choose to do here will determine the kind of life we have throughout all eternity. We are never living just for today.”

For other tips on how you can achieve spiritual nourishment, you can read 3 Ways To Improve Your Spiritual Health.

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Times Were Tough

At that time, my father had just graduated from college and my mother was working as a teacher. With 2 kids and one on the way, my father could hardly make ends meet with his salary as a casual government employee. I can vividly remember my parents eating salted fish so they could buy milk for me and my little brother. I can imagine how much they must have sacrificed just so we could be provided with the basic things we needed. As a father, it must have been hard for him to see his family have so little. I am sure that all he wanted was to provide a good life for us.

My Father’s Desire to Have His Family Forever

My father wanted a good life for us, but, more importantly, he held dear the promise of the Lord that his family could be with him for time and for all eternity. When he found out that a temple was going to be built in Manila, he made all the preparations needed to be able to bring his family there. It would also be his first time to be in the temple because the temple had been so far away during his Missionary Training that he had not been able to go and get his personal endowment. During his mission, he used to imagine what it would be like to go to the temple, so it was an exciting time for him preparing to go to the temple with us, but it was daunting as well. After evaluating his and my mother’s income, they discovered that there would not be enough to pay for both our fare and our board and lodging.

His Decision to Sell His Little Possessions

At that time, my father only owned a few things that he had bought previously. He had a little TV for our entertainment and he owned a watch that he’d had for years. He also had a scientific calculator from his years studying to be an electrical engineer. These were the only things of value that he possessed. We had no land and no house. He just rented a small room to house his small family. The TV and the watch were sold first but the scientific calculator was a hard thing for him to give up because it would be very useful in his future career. But, judging from the sale of the TV and watch, the scientific calculator had to go to raise the funds needed for travel to Manila.

Then Miracles Happened

When finally my father was able to buy tickets for the four of us, he could only afford the lowest form of accommodation. It was not comfortable. My mother was pregnant with their 3rd child and morning sickness plagued her. The journey to Manila took 3 days and after the first day of travel, my mother was already weak with morning sickness and seasickness. But then, as my father was out getting food for us, he met a missionary couple who offered us better accommodation. They sponsored an upgrade for us, and soon my mother felt a lot better. My father considered it to be a miracle because if she had continued to get weaker, he was afraid they would not have been able to continue the journey. When we were sealed, my mother felt the little baby in her womb kick as if to say, “Hurray!” The journey home was smooth sailing, without any discomfort and my father was empowered with a feeling of assurance that he had done the right thing in his efforts to provide for, protect and preside over his family.

We have now been sealed as a family for 35 years and it has blessed my parents’ lives and our lives as well. What my father sacrificed so we could be sealed was a strong testimony of his love for my mother and for his love for us. He taught us the difference between things that are of temporary value and things that have eternal significance. He was able to buy another TV and another watch and another scientific calculator but he said, “if I lose my family forever, that would be a great loss – something I can never replace.”

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The Challenges

My husband prepared the bread and water the night before. He placed two slices of bread on a plate and readied the mugs (yes mugs!) for the water. He covered them so it will be ready early in the morning. When he woke up one of our daughters have spread hazelnut on the bread and made a sandwich out of it. It turned out that we did not have extra bread since the kids ate the rest of the loaf. So we made do with “yummy” bread because we used the sandwich which was the only bread we had in the house. The mugs were replaced by glasses since my husband didn’t know where they are stored, so he used what he could easily see in the kitchen and those were mugs.

Another issue we needed to address was how to help the kids feel more reverent, and not as at home. It was quite a challenge because they didn’t feel it was as solemn when we were just sitting on our couch holding Sacrament Meeting.

The Sacrament

It was a bit strange watching as my husband make all the preparations being the only Priesthood holder in the home. We have 5 daughters and none of us could help in the preparation. It was an eye opener for us because we usually look past the preparation part of the Sacrament. We just see the sacrament table all set when we sit in the pews during sacrament meeting. It was such a humbling experience being able to see how gently my husband selected white sheets to line and cover the sacrament emblems. We were filled with reverence as we saw how the seemingly mundane task of breaking bread became holy and sacred. Seeing it so close opened our eyes to the sanctity of the things we usually see as routine.

The Closing Hymn

For our closing hymn, we sang “Keep the Commandments.” It was a hymn my daughter selected because it is one of the few hymns she can play on the piano. I tried my hardest to hold back tears as my heart swelled with a testimony of the truth that the hymn teaches. When the COVID-19 pandemic first began to spread fear in the hearts of people worldwide, our daughters were also alarmed as information on the phenomenon reach them. We have tried our best to comfort them and keep them in their bubble of normalcy. But we cannot seem to do that because these kids are so informed. When we sang,

“Keep the commandments; keep the commandments!

In this there is safety; in this there is peace.

He will send blessings;

He will send blessings.

Words of a prophet:

Keep the commandments.

In this there is safety and peace.”

It was like the Holy Ghost enveloped me with the assurance that my children will be fine. The world will not always be an ideal place for them, but they will be taught the ideal principles that will mold them to be resilient and constant. My husband and I expressed our gratitude for the blessing of having a living prophet, and our children understood that if we listen to the words of the prophet, there is always safety and peace.

The Reminder

When we asked the girls what they thought of the special Sacrament Meeting we had, my daughter said, “I gained confidence because even when I make mistakes in playing the piano, it’s ok because I’m with my family.” Our sense of family was strengthened by this beautiful experience. And our hearts were one with people all over the world who worshiped with us that morning as we prayed for the healing of our nations. There was a spirit of being one big congregation under one God despite holding Sacrament services at home in family units or even as individuals. As I searched the hymn “Keep the Commandments,” on lds.org I was humbled by what a seemingly hidden second verse revealed:

“We are His children; we are His children,

and we must be tested to show we are true.

Hold to His promises;

Hold to His promises,

Heeding the prophets:

Keep the commandments.

In this there is safety and peace.”

In these trying times when we can’t do all the usual day-to-day things because we can’t go out, we can find safety and peace in the four corners of our homes. When we have our faith and our family with us, there is a sense of security that comforts and strengthens. Once again, we are reminded of what matters most.

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I Can Be a Producer and Not Just a Consumer

In this world, there are two kinds of beings – the givers and the takers. People are considered takers; thus the title “consumers”. We take and take not just because we need things, but greed is a strong force that propels us to take more than what we need. Working in my garden taught me that I can be a giver. I may not be giving a lot from such a tiny parcel of land, but I feel I have contributed to producing oxygen instead of just consuming it to produce carbon dioxide. Am I a giver in other things in my daily life? Do I produce happiness, and comfort, and service for others? There are so many ways we can contribute to this world. It is indeed an eye opener for me, how much the little things we do can make a difference.

I Can Work With Nature

Humans, through our intelligence and technology, have made breakthroughs that have changed the way the world works. We have solved numerous problems, but advancements in technology have also endangered the natural order of things. We tend to tailor nature to suit what we want, but what we don’t understand is that nature knows better than we do. In my garden, I learned that I cannot force a seed to sprout. I cannot will a plant to flower or fruit. “To everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). I can use all the fertilizers and other concoctions or methods science can offer, but the best produce can only come from the works of the Lord Himself. And it is the same with other things in my life. Some things I can’t rush: my progression in the gospel, the things I am learning in mortality, I cannot even speed through my trials. I must be patient and work with nature and not against it.

Persistence From Weeds

There is one thing I cannot seem to stop propagating in my tiny garden: weeds. They come in different forms but they have one thing in common – they never die! I have gone to great lengths to get rid of them, but they keep growing! Finally, I tossed my garden tools in the air and told myself, “There must be something these weeds are good for…” I may not know now, but maybe someday the cure for cancer could come from these pesky plants. One thing I know for sure… Weeds taught me persistence. No matter what I do to deter their growth, they cleverly find ways to sprout. And so the persistent weeds gave me staying power when I face challenges. And when I am tempted to give up in the face of life’s challenges I tell myself, “Be like the weeds… Be like the weeds…”

Planting Increased My Hope for a Better Tomorrow

Audrey Hepburn said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” I am reminded of how Alma compared the word of God unto a seed (Alma 32: 28-43). The nourishing of a seed will eventually bring forth fruit. Well, not all plants produce fruit, they might give edible leaves, medicinal roots, beautiful flowers, etc. The point is if we give a seed a chance to grow – like that of the word of God – we will someday reap the rewards. My faith increases as I tend to every single plant in my garden. And my hope for a better tomorrow exponentially increases as I get to watch a seed develop into a beautiful mature plant.

As I pondered upon the lessons that I’ve learned from my garden, somehow I understood why Heavenly Father prepared a garden for Adam and Eve. I am sure they learned numerous things from all the flora and fauna that they saw around them. I feel Heavenly Father’s love in my tiny garden. His promise that “…the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare…” (D&C 104:17) holds true.I hope we could all experience Eden in our own home as we create beautiful things, with the Lord’s help, in our lives, families, and communities. It is simply magical!

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Even though God listens, He wants us to talk to Him sincerely

God is an all-knowing and all-powerful Being. This is an eternal truth. But, a more important truth that we need to know and understand is that God is also our loving Father in Heaven. Bearing these two truths in mind, I know that God does not only have the capability but also the willingness to listen to our prayers. However, just because He has all-hearing ears does not mean that we can just say anything we want in whatever manner we want to. Just as we listen better to a song that is sung soulfully than to a song delivered halfheartedly, I know that God listens more intently to those who try to talk to him sincerely.

Gordon B. Hinckley once said, “The trouble with most of our prayers is that we give them as if we were picking up the phone and ordering groceries – we place our order and hang up.” If this is the manner we pray to God, I’m not surprised if He won’t be as enthusiastic to listen to us compared to someone who treats prayer like an important phone call interview. Maybe more than questioning why God is not listening to our prayers, we should first question how we say our prayers. God is our Father, but He is also a King in every sense. He deserves our utmost respect. Whenever we pray we should act like we are approaching a throne.

As we pray more intently and sincerely, I know that the promise is sure: “Ask, and it shall be given unto you…For every one that asketh, receiveth (3 Nephi 14:7-8).”

Even though God listens He doesn’t always answer us with a YES

Two months ago, I received an evident and powerful promise when I asked Him sincerely for a specific thing. It was one day that I was exhausted from work, but I had to face a more exhausting two-to-three-hour commute back home. While I was standing in line, hungry and tired, to ride public transportation, I remembered wishing in my heart that I could eat a chocolate bar. I had this clear image in my mind of what brand, size, and flavor it would be.

After some time, the van that would take me home arrived and I got inside. I was about to sit in my spot when I saw what seemed like a shiny wrapper. I picked it up, and you wouldn’t believe what I saw. It was the exact chocolate bar I had been thinking of eating a few minutes ago! I asked the people beside me if the chocolate bar happened to belong to them, and they all said no. I gripped the chocolate bar tightly in my hand while fighting the urge to cry. It might have been a small thing but it was proof that God listens to the silent pleadings of my heart.

Even though I know that God listens to my prayers and I’ve had powerful experiences to prove it, I do not expect a chocolate bar to appear on my seat every time I ask God for it. Like many of you, I have learned that God’s answers to prayers, more often than not, are “No, you need to wait.” Whenever God answers me “No, you need to wait,” I’m always a bit disappointed until later, when I find out the grand reason behind His not-so-favorable answer. I have learned that momentary heartaches are sometimes the small price that I have needed to pay to qualify myself for an even greater blessing.

When the answer to our prayers is not a “yes,” it is easy for us to conclude that God is not listening – that He doesn’t love us. But, here’s another eternal truth – God knows us better than we know ourselves. If we only look a little closer, we will see that the “No’s” and “Wait’s” are strong manifestations of His infinite love for us.

Even though God listens He wants us to act.

Many of us know what prayer is and how to do it, but I don’t think we know enough about the whole process. Prayer does not stop when we get off our knees and say Amen. We can only understand and feel the full power of prayer when we stand on our feet and act regardless of God’s answer.

To give you an example, I will continue with my chocolate bar story. A few days after that experience, I was going home with a coworker who knew about the miracle chocolate bar. I told her I was tired and hungry and craving Korean-flavored chicken. She jokingly replied that I should not expect to find chicken on my seat again. Well, guess what? She’s right. I didn’t find one on my seat, but I still ate Korean-flavored chicken that day. Do you know how? Well, the answer is simple. I went to the mall, looked for a Korean fast-food restaurant, and bought the chicken I wanted to eat.

If you compare these two experiences I had with the chocolate bar and the Korean-flavored chicken, it seemed like God did not answer my prayer in the latter incident. However, I think that God answered me in both instances – only in different ways. He served me the food the first time, but He inspired me to act the second time. I was happy and satisfied both times.

I know that prayer is not limited to three action words talking, listening, and answering. It also has everything to do with doing. When we act after we pray, we are showing God that we will do our best to qualify to receive His blessings. And, yes, these blessings may not always be the ones we are expecting, but for those who ask and work for what they want, God always has promises in store.

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“Education is Very Important”

One of the stories that inspires me in the pursuit of education is that of two women – sisters who held on to their desire to attain that which they deemed to be of great importance.

Sister Cherry Lyn Morin-Elem and Sister Yolindina “Jona” Morin-Javaluyas endured a lot of challenges during their younger years. Their family joined the Church when they were in high school and the things they learned at Church helped them carry on despite the loss of their father and the inconvenience of sending themselves to school. Despite all the hardships, they graduated with their desired degrees and are successful in their fields of expertise – business and finance – while serving as wives, mothers, and servants in the Lord’s Kingdom.

This is their story:

”Even when we were very young, we already knew the importance of education. Maybe because we’d heard from our parents that it was one way we could improve our lives. The teachings of the Church also played a major role in how we viewed education. We always knew that education would play a big role in what we would become in our future life.”

“Our father died when I was 18,” Sister Jona explained. “I was a 3rd year College student at Mindanao State University (MSU) in General Santos City. Life became more difficult without the breadwinner of the family. Shortly after his death, my mother got sick and was temporarily paralyzed. Her small ukay-ukay business, which sold ready-to-wear clothes and second-hand garments, was closed. We had to move to MSU Iligan City, then eventually to MSU Marawi City to continue our studies because my father’s sister offered us some allowance and food assistance so we could continue to go to College. There were days when I went to school without food in my stomach because many times we hesitated to ask assistance from our Aunt because of “kaulaw” (embarassment). Hunger was an ordinary thing for me. Life was very difficult, we couldn’t afford to buy new clothes. New shoes were already a luxury. But hunger was the most difficult thing we experienced. It almost made me quit school.”

The Value of Hard Work and Grit

Sister Cherry recalled that they stayed focused on the goal in mind. To earn, she approached her landlord and asked if she could babysit his two-year-old child and do the laundry in exchange for free food and board for her and her sister. She even made fruit salad and “binignit” (a Filipino delicacy made from sticky rice and root crops) that she sold for profit. Sister Cherry acknowledged that part of their staying power was their desire to work hard so they could also pay their tithes. She even taught institute classes on campus where she had 6 students whom she remembers very vividly until now. The sisters make it a point to keep the Sabbath Day holy by not doing school work on Sundays even if it meant they had to settle for a lower grade. There were people who saw how Sister Cherry and Sister Jona worked and stayed focused and these people helped and supported them in whatever means they could afford. This gave them hope that if they stay faithful and if they help each other, they’d be able to rise above every difficulty.

Lessons Learned More Precious Than That of Their Degree

“We learned many things as we went through those tough times: patience, faith, perseverance, humility, contentment, hard work, and endurance are a few of them. We needed to be patient and have faith that the Lord would bless us in His own due time. We knew that as long as we did our part with patience, all our efforts would be rewarded. The only reward we asked for was to finish a College degree which was eventually given to us. But during the process, we needed the principle of perseverance and endurance. We needed to keep on holding to the faith that we were in the Lord’s hand and that He would carry us through all of the hardships. We needed to be humble when at times we saw our roommates having good food while we could only eat a humble meal wrapped in a plastic bag. We needed to be humble when we couldn’t have nice clothes while others were well provided and we needed to borrow clothes for special events like our graduation. From our shoes to our dresses, almost everything was borrowed. Life was really hard but the Lord taught us that as long as we desired to do what was right He would bless our efforts. We learned and those experiences have blessed us beyond our comprehension. It has made us better versions of who we were. We are now able to teach our children that sometimes it’s okay not to be okay. We have become more compassionate of others who are going through hardships and share whatever we can give however little. It made us more grateful for all the blessings that we now enjoy. It taught us to keep ourselves grounded because we know that all of these blessings come from the Lord.”

Doors of Opportunities Opened

“Finishing school gave us better opportunities when it comes to work.” added Sister Jona. “It also gives us an edge in regards to our work now. Me being a Financial Adviser and my Manang (elder sister) being a Businesswoman. I can better present my product because I am more confident. It has boosted my self-esteem. But more importantly I can teach my children the importance of education and to make sacrifices whenever necessary to achieve it.”

I am grateful to know these remarkable women. Their story made me realize that there is a silver lining, even in the bleakest of times. They are undeterred in their efforts to graduate and make their lives better.

When I look at my children and all the other students in their schools who graduated, I think of Sister Cherry and Sister Jona and tell myself that the future is bright. So whatever challenge you are facing right now in your pursuit for a good education, grow through it! Someday when you have crossed the bridge, you can wear it as a badge of honor – that you have hurdled the hardships. You have paid the price to better yourself by getting educated.

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Let’s look at a few instances from before, during and after the Savior’s advent. From these events, we can just imagine how Mary handled every daunting situation that would have unnerved any ordinary woman.

The Announcement from the Angel Gabriel

Being engaged to marry Joseph, Mary could have been excited, even a bit jittery, that her wedding was drawing near. I can just imagine her being occupied with what to wear, what to prepare, the guest list, etc. All of these must have been overwhelming for a young woman about to be wed.

Then came the heavenly announcement.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women…

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”

I imagine how this must have shattered all of her plans of what she thought her life would be like.

The scandal of conceiving a child before marriage!

Not just that! It was to be no ordinary offspring.

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

Any woman, would be surprised and even frightened at such a pronouncement, maybe even faint. But no, not Mary! Despite her apprehensions, she gracefully accepted.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

What great faith! Her trust in God made her will subject to the divine plan of Heavenly Father. At a young age, she already trusted in the grandeur of the Plan of Salvation. She knew what she had to do and faithfully obeyed her Father.

Travels During Her Pregnancy

I would like to think that Mary was like any other pregnant woman. I think she also experienced morning sickness and the whole nine yards. But when she traveled to see her cousin, Elizabeth, in her 1st trimester, she willingly traveled the 90-mile stretch of mountainous terrain.

“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah;

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth…

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”

This was not an easy feat! Although it is not written what Mary felt at the time, the rigors of the journey to and from the house of Zechariah had to have been demanding for a pregnant woman.

Then came the last trimester when she was about to deliver her baby.

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

Geographically speaking, Galilee to Bethlehem is 70 miles, more or less. But that distance is true if you pass through Samaria. Historically, this posed an impossibility since there was enmity between the Jews and the Samaritans. It is safe to assume then, that they took the long road to Judaea circumnavigating the whole area. See the picture?

Now insert Mary being heavy with child on a donkey. It makes the whole situation unbearable for a nesting mother. I have been through the 3rd trimester five times and, I think I have the authority to say this, it is not a stroll in the park. I know one pregnant woman differs from another, but still. Elephant feet, cramps, the constant peeing… and it does not end there. The baby’s kicks become painful, the back almost giving in to the extra weight, not to mention contractions and shortness of breath.

The physical demands of the journey could have worn down the spirit of the young mother, but she persisted. Her strength, based on the things she went through as she traveled during her pregnancy, was simply extraordinary.

The Night She Delivered Her Baby

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;”

No nurses, no doctors. Just Joseph and some farm animals. When Mary delivered the baby Jesus, I am sure she also felt the pains of giving birth. I can only imagine how she could have borne the stress of the ordeal. She might have worried how she would be able to go through the whole process without proper care. I think she probably also wanted her mother to be with her, giving her tips on how to properly breathe when contractions occurred. But there was no one but her husband, novice to the whole birthing process, to help her. There would have been dirt, animals, bugs in the hay… overall not a sanitary environment and not nearly enough supplies for giving birth to a baby.

What was going through her mind when she held her baby for the first time? I can try to imagine… But I am pretty sure the little boy was worth all the pain. Mary was no ordinary woman. She is a paragon of strength and obedience – a blueprint for true motherhood. Her faith was stalwart and it saw her through the doubts and the difficulties that led to that first Christmas. In her mind, she understood the Plan. In her heart she knew that someday, this baby would deliver her in return. Being the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ delivers us all.

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There are times in life when the tunnels seem long, so long that we doubt if there really is an end. But there have been a few people who have inspired me to hold on and never stop hoping. In their example I have found strength. Their light has served as a beacon for me during my low times.

The Tunnel of Physical Infirmities

In this mortal probation, our physical bodies are subject to pain and disease. From a common cold to debilitating cancer, there are numerous threats to health.

One woman in the prime of her life, a mother of two girls, found out that she had breast cancer. I could not imagine how the news affected the family. A surgery was required to remove the affected parts of her body and she had to go through a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. It would have been easy for her to just give up, just let the illness and the depression consume her whole being after enduring such a painful process for so long. But the hope of spending more time with her girls and watching them grow up helped her win the battle one day at a time.

The Tunnel of Betrayal and Infidelity

We do not have control over other people. But choices other people make can make or break us – especially the people that are very close to us.

A woman I know found out one day that her husband was having an affair. She was pregnant with her third child at the time. The dilemma of confronting her husband and the uncertainty of what would happen after almost took the best out of her. Those times were tough for her, a mother raising two daughters while also being heavy with child, all because her husband had chosen to be with another woman. She could have just given up. She would have been justified giving up on her marriage. It would have been easier to just let go and move on with her life. Instead, she chose to forgive. With the hope that forgiveness brings peace, she was able to get through the tough times.

The Tunnel of Poverty

Poverty can break a soul but it does not have to if you do not allow it. Not all people see poverty the same way. There are those that have little but still find themselves provided for. And there are times when people have to fight tooth and nail just to have food for their families.

A widow left to raise six children found herself struggling to put food on the table. Even the most basic of necessities were very hard to find. Add to that the cost of sending them to school. A quick escape could have been a release. Thoughts of leaving the children – hungry and uneducated – almost clouded her mind but she chose otherwise. With the meager salary of a teacher, she was able to send all her children to school. She had hope in her heart that if the children were educated, they would have a brighter future. This fueled her desire to endure, scrimping and saving what little she had to raise a family on her own and producing professionals after years of sacrifice.

We cannot keep ourselves immune from the ailments of mortality, no matter how healthy we live. The people around us can hurt us deeply. We are often put in predicaments that make us feel helpless. But whenever we are sick, betrayed, depressed or pushed into a corner – when it seems like there is no escape, let us look towards the healing power of the Atonement. For with it comes the hope of better days ahead. Let the Savior rescue us from the grasps of anger, pain and sorrow. The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ makes available to us the greatest source of hope – that someday all these struggles will be over, because the battle against pain – even death – has already been won. So no matter how long the tunnel is, we can always hope, and find light in the near distance. Never let go of hope! Healing, forgiveness, peace and joy are within our reach no matter how long it takes.

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I can recall vividly the pressing question people always asked me when I was four years old. “Who are you going to marry?” they would ask in amusement. “I will marry my Papa” the 4-year-old me would answer. Several years later, whenever my young, single adult peers brought up the question, “Who do you want to marry?” , I would always answer, “Someone like my Papa.”

He Showed Us What To Expect From Young Men

I love flipping through the pages of my father’s mission album, mainly because of the beautiful seascape of Guam and Palau included in the photos. My siblings and I would listen to the wonderful stories that went along with the photographs. At the age of 11 — just a year before I officially transitioned to the Young Women Organization — I boldly declared that I was going to marry a returned missionary so I could hear amazing mission stories.

But I also saw qualities in my father that extended beyond his having had a black name tag — he was kind to us, he loved us, sacrificed a lot for us, listened to us, and fiercely protected us. He loved learning and he would always share some of the amazing stories he had read in the scriptures. He taught us the meaning of service. Through his example, he taught my sister and I what to expect from the young men we interacted with, and from our future husbands.

He Loved and Continues to Love our Mother

“How can a father raise a happy, well-adjusted daughter in today’s increasingly toxic world? The most important thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother. You can show your daughter by the way you love and honor your wife that she should never settle for less.”

These gentle yet powerful words from Sister Elaine S. Dalton touched my heart so much when I first heard them in the October 2011 General Conference. I thought of my father and how he always shows his love and admiration for my mother. He’s loyal to her, kind, he listens to her, he makes her laugh, and he allows her to fly and fulfill her dreams. The seemingly small expressions of love they showed each other — things like waiting for her to come home so they could have a meal together — had a great impact on a single daughter who also looked forward to the day she could meet her future spouse. Through my father’s example, I continued to build my mental list of qualities I wanted my future husband to have.

He Prepared Us

Even when I was young, my father continually reminded me that “light attracts light, virtue attracts virtue.” He would always say, “While waiting for Mr. Right, be Ms. Right. Mr. Right will just come and you’ll be prepared to meet him.” To make sure her daughters were ready for Mr. Right, he prepared us. He engaged us in conversations, he taught us the scriptures, he discussed current events with us, and he allowed us to explore our talents. One day, I saw him watching a video — a recording of a devotional for mission presidents — and he invited me to watch it. “Listen to this, my daughter. You may choose not to serve a mission, but you still need this, for someday you will help and support a future leader, and you will raise missionaries.” His confidence in us helped us build confidence in ourselves, too.

Through Him, My Husband Found Me

Yes, through him, my husband found me. Elder Garcia was then a young missionary in the Philippines, Bacolod Mission when he heard my father speak. He was impressed and he wanted to meet him. Unfortunately, time did not allow it. When he came home from his mission, he went to Facebook and searched for my dad’s name. Instead of finding him, he found me. The rest was history.

How did I know he was the one I should marry? It was because of my father. I saw in my husband the same qualities I saw in my father. He was kind, he was forgiving, he was gentle, he listens to me, makes me laugh, he serves us, and he protects us. Because of my father’s example, it was easy to say yes to my husband’s proposal.

Let’s Create More Father-Daughter Stories

Sister Elaine S. Dalton’s invitation to fathers in her October 2011 talk “Love Her Mother” is still applicable today. In this world full of noise, full of dwindling standards, our daughters need fathers who will show them what courtship, marriage, and true love truly mean. The world may set aside — and even deem worthless — the example of fathers, but remember that righteous fatherhood can greatly impact the outlook of daughters. May the fathers of our generation remain true, virtuous, loving, and kind — daughters need it.

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