A thought for Sunday night

This has been on my mind. It's a bit more intense than my normal topics, but it's affecting me.

Last Monday I sat in on a friend's New Testament class. The topic of that lecture was the Atonement. Later that night I went to my mission prep class. The topic of that lecture was also the Atonement. As an effect, thoughts of the Atonement were drifting around in my head all week, and I've put some effort into better understanding what exactly it means for us.

When we read about what Christ experienced - beginning with his suffering in Gethsemane up to his choice to freely give his life on the cross - it is astonishing that he would allow himself to suffer such physical and emotional pain. Any normal mortal would have passed well before the end. Through that torment, when his body would have pleaded for release from the pain, Christ chose to endure. Even though unimaginable agony weighed upon him, he went forward. He did this because he loved us.

He chose to live. He chose to live to see that one of the most fundamental pieces of the foundation was finished and proper. He chose to live because he loves us. How much love does the Savior have for you and me?

We all face challenges. Sometimes it feels as though everything and everyone is out to make sure we fail. We find that we are stuck in a deep ruts; sometimes we have financial troubles, sometimes we get seriously ill, and sometimes we just have a bad day. In those times, I hope you remember that there is someone who always loves you. He understands you and you trials. He will comfort you. And He loves you.

Jesus Christ gave his life so we could overcome sin. He was then resurrected so that we could overcome death.

I am grateful for what He has done for me, and I have felt His comfort in my life. I hope in times of trouble you can look to him for peace and guidance. I want you who are reading this to know that this is part of what I know to be true.