Epilogue - Descending to Ascend

Relationship with the Divine

  • Rootedness in our relationship with the Divine leads to a transformation in our experience of chaos and confusion.

    • The chaos shifts to a quietness, a 'hush,' created by the Divine Creator.

    • This tranquility offers hope to individuals, encouraging them to continue their spiritual journey or 'climb their Jacob's Ladder.'

Climbing Jacob's Ladder

  • The journey is characterized by daily choices and sacrifices necessary for sanctification.

    • Sanctification: The process of being made holy or being purified.

  • Achieving a calm spirit results in what is described as 'mature simplicity.'

    • This tranquility, however, is a precursor to further complexity in spiritual journeys.

Complexity and Simplicity

  • The notion that stage three of spiritual development is not the final destination.

    • The simplicity encountered at stage three precedes another complex sanctifying passage.

  • A willingness to submit to the pressures and challenges that arise is essential for progressing.

Sustaining Spiritual Quality in Trials

  • Assessment of personal character under pressure: can one remain meek, sweet, and merciful?

    • Challenges include facing doubts from others and grappling with internal questions (referred to as 'Gordian-like' questions).

  • The significance of following Christ through suffering is emphasized (from Gethsemane to Calvary).

    • This journey should be undertaken without bitterness despite personal trials.

Discipleship and Obedience

  • Insight from Elder Neal A. Maxwell: True discipleship demands confronting the most challenging tasks.

  • The experience of simplicity in stage three prepares one for more profound commitments in temple worship.

    • Previous worship might have been superficial (merely 'box checking' or 'going through the motions').

  • Blind obedience was a necessary initial phase, similar to experiences of Adam and Eve.

  • A more informed faith necessitates active choices as individuals navigate through the next spiritual passage.

The Comforter and Trust

  • Acknowledgement of the discomfort inherent in the next spiritual passage which lies beyond the familiar.

  • Trusting in the Comforter allows one to embrace the journey towards this difficult passage with greater assurance.

  • Hope is positioned against the backdrop of enduring trials, likened to navigating a 'rocky ridge.'

Personal Accounts and Experiences

  • The narrative includes a depiction of a younger individual (Zachary) embarking on his spiritual journey.

  • Reference to President James E. Faust, who shares his experiences of spiritual struggle and connection with the Divine.

    • Anecdotes of humility, seeking divine help amidst trials.

    • A rich exploration of the feelings of loneliness, burden, and reassurance from the Divine during difficult times.

  • The metaphor of climbing spiritual Mount Sinai to seek communication and instructions from the Lord.

    • Experiencing moments of power and strength in the Divine presence during struggles.

Moments of Divine Connection

  • Specific experiences where comfort from the Divine transformed pain into knowledge and reassurance:

    • During family mourning, conviction in the Resurrection strengthened the belief in eventual reunion.

    • Pleading for forgiveness during college led to feelings of spiritual cleansing.

    • Experiences in teaching provided confirmation of divine influence in speech and guidance.

    • Witnessing a grandchild’s temple marriage elicited feelings of eternal joy and potential.

    • Moments of shared sorrow with the Divine, likened to mutual tears highlighting deep emotional connection.

Conclusion of Faith

  • The presentation asserts that faith is nurtured through personal momentous experiences that bring transformation.

  • A strong belief that hardship can be transformed: 'barren wildernesses can be turned into watered gardens' through faith.