In the New Testament we come to understand the life and character of our Lord Jesus Christ in incredible ways. For example, in the Book of Hebrews we read how the Savior sought “to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God,” in order “to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17). Not only did the Son of God endure tribulations so that our personal and collective sins could be forgiven, but we read in Hebrews 2:18 “that he himself hath suffered being tempted,” so that “he is able to succour them that are tempted.”
This truth is one that is both eternal and applicable to everyone—no matter our circumstances or where we are on the covenant path. I am so grateful to know that because of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, I am able to be redeemed of my imperfections and return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father after this life.
During a Sunday service in the summer of 1851, Wilford Woodruff recorded in his journal the truths that President Brigham Young taught concerning this aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Speaking of the character of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, Brigham Young taught that through them, “all our sufferings will exalt us in the presence of God if we endure them patiently.”1
Wilford Woodruff certainly had his fair share of trials and tribulations throughout his life, but he remained faithful to this principle and promise he heard on that Sabbath day. On the days when we feel alone and like no one understands the difficulties we are going through, may we remember the words of the Book of Mormon Prophet Alma who testified of the Savior,
“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:11–12).
Jason Godfrey received his undergraduate degree from Weber State University in Social Science Composite History Teaching. Before beginning his college career, Jason served as a full-time missionary in the England Birmingham Mission from 2016 to 2018. As the General Editor for the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project, Jason is humbled and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Project because of the important lessons that he is learning from the life experiences and wisdom of Wilford Woodruff. He and his wife, Britain, reside in Utah.
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