When the Path Gets Hard: Finding Joy in the Crucible of Discipleship

There are times when the work feels less like a steady, uplifting current and more like wading through thick, dark mud. Maybe you’re facing a personal loss, perhaps you’ve been assigned a tough transfer, or maybe you’re simply dealing with the spiritual dryness that comes when you feel far from the Spirit. When life, or the work, hits a wall, it can feel overwhelming. It can make us question the promises we’ve been given.

I remember early in my own journey, I struggled with the idea of finding joy in suffering. I thought that finding happiness meant living in a constant state of sunshine and triumph. I believed that the Saints—the heroes in the histories—must have been perpetually joyful. But the truth, as we quickly learn, is that spiritual maturity isn't about avoiding the dark times; it's about learning how to shine a light *through* them.

Our faith journey, whether we are in the MTC, in the field, or simply serving our families at home, requires us to develop a profound capacity for empathy and endurance. This is where the principles Bonnie Landry shares in this recent episode become so vital to our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Metaphysics of the Struggle

Bonnie beautifully articulates that suffering, while incredibly difficult, is often not a punishment. Rather, it can be a spiritual crucible—a necessary opportunity for us to practice the covenants we’ve made and draw closer to the Savior. It’s not a pity party; it’s a profound opportunity for growth.

“I think we do have some metaphysical equation going on that a certain amount of suffering is required to give us opportunity to practice and draw closer to God.”

Think about that. Every missionary discussion, every time you have to patiently explain a doctrine you know well to someone who is resistant, every time you face spiritual disappointment—these are all opportunities. These are our chances to practice the grit, the patience, and the selfless love that the Lord requires of us. To be a true disciple means accepting that the path to Christ is rarely a straight, easy road.

Finding Intimacy in Shared Pain

Perhaps the most challenging, yet most rewarding, lesson is the power of empathy. The podcast highlights how uniting our suffering to Christ's suffering is an intimate encounter with Him. Similarly, when we are called to enter into the pain of a friend, a neighbor, or a struggling family member, we are doing something profoundly Christlike. It takes courage, selflessness, and a deep willingness to sit in the darkness with someone else.

This is the essence of the Internet Missionary. We may not be standing on a corner in a foreign land, but we are called to be present in the pained moments of our communities. We are called to be the friend who listens without judgment, the neighbor who helps without being asked, and the disciple who models Christ's unconditional love, even when it’s difficult.

A Skill for the Modern Disciple

If we take one lesson from this discussion, it should be this: When difficulty strikes, we don't see it as punishment; we see it as the opportunity to practice empathy and faith. We can prepare for this by studying the scriptures, focusing not just on the answers, but on the grace that sustains us through the questions.

For those who feel challenged by the idea of hardship, I encourage you to journal. Don't just write *what* happened, write *what* you learned about Christ's grace in that moment. This turns the struggle into a spiritual asset.

If you want to deepen this understanding, I recommend looking into the concept of 'redemptive suffering' in the Book of Mormon. It helps us see that even our weaknesses can be channels for divine strength.

I invite you to listen to this talk again and reflect on how the principle of finding strength in shared struggle applies to your current life. Let's commit to being more empathetic observers of the Lord's hand at work.