Don’t give up… Keep on going!

During the darkest hours of World War 2, England found herself all alone. Nazi Germany had knocked France out of the war and turned its focus on England. The events that followed were known as “The Blitz” (1940-1941). This was an attack on England using long-range bombers. Day and night, Nazi Germany waged a large scale assault on England. One can only imagine what it was like during that time in England. Parents sent children north to Scotland. Adults would take shelter in underground bunkers to find safety.

It was at this time the prime minister of England, Winston Churchill, gave a powerful speech to rally England. Here is an excerpt from that speech: “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the new world, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old." (BBC, 1940) What Churchill was conveying to the people of England was to not give up and keep going. Don’t stop fighting. Always push forward. Be ready to fight anywhere necessary.

Addiction recovery is similar to the idea of being attacked day and night. There is no rest from the onslaught of triggers, temptations, and desires. It seems the attack comes at the most inopportune times and the addict has to always be at the ready. It seems like it is tiring, and it can be, but there is always help to keep on going. Firstly, the Savior, Jesus Christ, is always there to help. Jesus taught, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30) Jesus is always there with us. If we work with Jesus and come unto him, he has promised us rest. Notice he did not promise an easy life, he promised us rest. This means that even when life is rough and things aren’t going well, Jesus can help us find rest and be at ease during the storms of life.

Secondly, we can’t give up. We have to keep on trying to keep the ground we have already gained. Elder Jeffrey R Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited… When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.” (”Lord, I believe”, General Conference, April 2013) Yes, Jesus will help us find rest during tribulation, but that doesn’t mean putting in the very best effort you can. The joy found in doing our best is worth all the effort it takes! The reward that can be ours is worth all the effort in the world!

Finally, we mistakes are made, repentance is always available to each of us. God sees worth in all His children. Joseph Smith was taught, “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-11) The suffering and sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ, were meant to enable us to repent. So, when mistakes are made. Make sure to repent and keep on going!

The Lord loves you! Jesus Christ lives! You are worth it!

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