"As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help others—those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them" (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding a Safe Harbor," Ensign, May 2000, 61).

" [Adversities] can turn our hearts to God. Nephi was told that the natural enemies of his descendants would be a 'scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in remembrance of me' (2 Ne. 5:25). The idea of a scourge to cause people to remember God reaffirms a familiar teaching in the 12th chapter of Hebrews: 'Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth' (Heb. 12:6). Even as adversities inflict mortal hardships, they can also be the means of leading men and women to eternal blessings.

"Such large-scale adversities as natural disasters and wars seem to be inherent in the mortal experience. We cannot entirely prevent them, but we can determine how we will react to them" (Dallin H. Oaks, "Adversity," Ensign, July 1998, 7–8).

"Much adversity is man-made. Men's hearts turn cold, and the spirit of Satan controls their actions. In foreseeing the day of suffering in our time, the Savior said, 'The love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound' (D&C 45:27). Violence, immorality, and other evils run rampant on the earth. Much adversity has its origin in the principle of agency. . . .

"But if we know and understand Heavenly Father's plan, we realize that dealing with adversity is one of the chief ways we are tested" (M. Russell Ballard, "Answers to Life's Questions," Ensign, May 1995, 23).

"Adversity can increase faith or instead can cause the troubling roots of bitterness to spring up" (Neal A. Maxwell, "Lest Ye Be Wearied and Faint in Your Minds," Ensign, May 1991, 88).

"Every test, every trial, every challenge and hardship you endure is an opportunity to further develop your faith (see D&C 63:11; 101:4)" (Russell M. Nelson, "Choices," Ensign, Nov. 1990, 75).

"Life never was intended to be easy. Rather, it is a period of proving and growth. It is interwoven with difficulties, challenges, and burdens. We are immersed in a sea of persistent, worldly pressures that could destroy our happiness. Yet these very forces, if squarely faced, provide opportunity for tremendous personal growth and development. The conquering of adversity produces strength of character, forges self-confidence, engenders self-respect, and assures success in righteous endeavor" (Richard G. Scott, "The Plan for Happiness and Exaltation," Ensign, Nov. 1981, 11).

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