Brief summary

Jesus Christ understands every form of human suffering and has the power to deliver us from every affliction. However, His deliverance does not always come immediately or in the way we expect. As we remain faithful to our covenants, seek Him sincerely and rely on His grace, He gives us strength, assurance and ultimately deliverance in His own time and way.

Elder Hathaway teaches that we should not measure the Saviour’s love by how quickly our problems disappear. Even while trials continue, Christ is present, understands our suffering and can give us the strength to endure.

Key quotes and questions to ponder or discuss

What does it mean to describe Jesus Christ as the Great Deliverer?

‘Jesus Christ descended below all things and suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind”; therefore, He comprehends our suffering, is filled with mercy, and knows how to succor us according to our infirmities. With perfect understanding and infinite power, He can deliver the righteous from all things, forever.’ (Paragraph 3)

How does knowing that Christ has experienced every kind of suffering change the way we approach Him with our problems?

‘His deliverance is certain; the question for most righteous followers is not if He will deliver but how and when He will do so.’ (Paragraph 3)

Have you ever experienced an occasion when the Lord’s help came differently or later than you expected?

‘Opposition comes to all, even the righteous. It can stir heartrending questions and deep emotions, like Joseph Smith’s cry from Liberty Jail, “O God, where art thou?” or the grief and fear felt by Helaman’s stripling warriors. Such questions and emotions are not sin or weakness; they can create a sacred space where agency is activated and we choose whether to turn toward Jesus Christ.’ (Paragraph 8)

‘As we humbly and patiently keep our covenants, the Savior will visit us in our afflictions and bring assurances of deliverance.’ (Paragraph 10)

What can we learn from Kenzie’s experience of losing her father? (Paragraphs 11 and 12)

‘This grace does not remove the pain and difficulty of affliction; it is an enabling power that allows us, after all we can do, to receive divine strength beyond our own and lay hold on eternal promises through Jesus Christ.’ (Paragraph 13)

What is the difference between being delivered from a trial and being strengthened through a trial?

‘I testify that the Lord is not delayed, distracted, or derelict in His deliverance. He has not forgotten you. He does not take joy in your suffering. However, He knows that lessons learned while waiting can bring converting growth that an earlier rescue might not produce.’ (Paragraph 16)

Why might the Lord sometimes allow us to experience difficulties rather than immediately remove them?

‘To all who continue to face the pain, fear, and loneliness of life, I echo the Savior’s words: “Be not afraid, only believe.” In His time and way, Jesus Christ will deliver you. Some miracles are immediate, some come after long waiting, and some await the Resurrection.’ (Paragraph 19)

If Jesus Christ does not immediately remove our suffering, how can we recognise that He is still delivering us?

Invitations

• Rather than allowing difficulties to distance us from God, use them as opportunities to strengthen our relationship with Him.
• Make prayer more heartfelt, fast with purpose and study the scriptures with a desire to receive personal guidance.
• Remember that covenant keeping brings spiritual assurances and connects us more closely with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
• Recognise that we do not have to face life’s burdens using our own strength alone.
• Resist the temptation to assume that delayed answers mean that God has forgotten you.
• When circumstances seem impossible, remember His words: “Be not afraid, only believe.”
• Remember that the Resurrection is part of the Saviour’s ultimate promise of deliverance.

Application

Am I placing my faith in Jesus Christ only because I hope He will change my circumstances, or do I trust Him sufficiently to remain faithful even when my circumstances do not change?

You can watch Elder Hathaway’s talk here.

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