All too often, it seems like we find ourselves in difficult situations despite our best efforts. As a BYU student in my second semester, I’m no stranger to the feeling of coming up just a little short. Lately I’ve been asking myself the following question: “What would Heavenly Father have me do to find comfort when my circumstances are less than ideal?”

Wilford Woodruff recorded Joseph Smith’s teaching that “when the Lord has thoroughly proved [someone] and find[s] that the man [or woman] is determined to serve him at all hazard, then . . . it will be his [or her] privilege to receive the other Comforter.” When we devote ourselves to serving God, he will give us the strength to overcome any challenge we face.

Jesus Christ experienced this divine help when immediately following his forty day fast, he sent angels to minister to John the Baptist. We too can find comfort in our trials by turning outward and serving others. King Benjamin taught in Mosiah 2:17, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” 

As you study the Book of Mormon this week, ask yourself, “How might my life be better if I spent less energy thinking about myself and more energy thinking about others?”