"The Prince and The Pauper"

On our mission we often heard the question, "If there is a God, why would he allow such suffering in this life." Sound familiar? This would hopefully lead to a discussion of the "Plan of Salvation" but too often people wanted a quick fix one sentence answer. We would then teach the three minute version, explaining that we are here on earth to gain experience and be tested. Abraham 3:25 "And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them." 

I wish I could have explained it better and have often pondered how. Then this morning the story of "The Prince and The Pauper" came to mind. Of course! You all know the story. The Prince, while living the harsh, humiliating life of the pauper, gained EXPERIENCE he could have attained in NO OTHER way. After regaining his throne, he became a great king who then ruled with compassion, fairness, justice and love for his subjects! D&C 122:7 ". . . and all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." 

In I Nephi 11:17 in the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi did not know "the meaning of all things" but he knew, and I know—I KNOW—that our Heavenly Father allows us to have these harsh and often painful life experiences BECAUSE of His great love—for us—His children! And IF "we endure it well" we can realize His great promised blessings found in D&C 29:12!