Why do you think the Lord often allows blessings to come after seasons of trial—and how might those blessings be deeper because of the struggle?
"9 Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion—" (Doctrine and Covenants 105: 9)
"1 Hearken, O ye elders of my church, and give ear to my word, and learn of me what I will concerning you, and also concerning this land unto which I have sent you.
2 For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.
3 Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.
4 For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
5 Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which is to follow." (Doctrine and Covenants 58: 1-5)
"23 But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come." (Doctrine and Covenants 59: 23)
And here's the commentary entitled: “After much tribulation come the blessings.”:
"The Saints hoped that during their lifetimes, Jackson County would blossom into Zion, a place where all the Saints could gather. However, their time in Jackson County was full of tribulation. Within a few years, they were forced to leave and “wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:9).
What do you learn about tribulation or challenges from the Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 58:1–5? Why do you think some blessings come only after tribulation? What blessings have you received after tribulation?
What do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 59:23 that brings you hope?"
When we are faithful in our tribulation, the Lord rewards us greater in the kingdom of heaven. He blesses us when we strive to keep His commandments no matter what.
Some blessings come only after tribulation because this life is a test so we would usually face challenges prior to receiving the blessings we are longing for. The Lord wants us to prove to Him how faithful we are. There are a number of blessings I have received after much tribulation. Here are a couple of them. I've been able to get married in the temple after going through a lot of heartaches and after being single for many years. Now in my job, I got moved to this new position of teaching only 6 classes of only one grade level, 7th grade, twice a week (with additional classes I would teach as a substitute when some teachers are absent from time to time) along with a salary increase for getting moved to teaching in the secondary level (aside from every teacher's regular salary increase yearly) after experiencing teaching different levels in elementary and after teaching about 700 students once a week during one school year.
What I learned from Doctrine and Covenants 59:23 that brings me hope is that as long as I'm doing the works of righteousness I shall receive my reward. The Lord knows me exactly. He sees what I'm striving to do. And He is showering me with blessings I deserve according to His will and perfect timing.
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