Elder Quentin L. Cook taught that all children of God will face trials in this life.
He talked about how sometimes people pass on in sometimes tragic ways.
“We lament the things that will not be accomplished and the songs that will not be sung,” Elder Cook said.
He talked about three principles that help us to face tragedies with faith and confidence in a bright future.
He said we have a Father in Heaven who knows and loves us personally, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and that our Father in Heaven’s plan for us includes eternal life.
“From the limited perspective of those who do not have knowledge, understanding, or faith in the Father’s plan, who only look at the world through the lens of mortality with its wars, violence, disease and evil, this life can seem depressing, chaotic, unfair and meaningless,” Elder Cook said.
He talked about the tragedy of the Titanic, and how tragedies such as this can be difficult to understand and cope with.
“There are terrible repercussions to family, friends and nations as a result of these tragedies regardless of the cause,” Elder Cook said.
He described how the difficult experiences in life can be strengthening.
“Adverse results in this mortal life are not evidence of lack of faith or of an imperfection in our Father in Heaven’s overall plan,” Elder Cook said. “The refiner’s fire is real, and qualities of character and righteousness that are forged in the furnace of affliction perfect and purify us and prepare us to meet God.”
