when president thomas s. monson was a youth, his 15- year-old friend and neighbor named arthur...

I Know that My Redeemer Lives

Job

When President Thomas S. Monson was a youth, his 15-year-old friend and neighbor named Arthur Patton enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II. President Monson recalled:

“Arthur’s mother was so proud of the blue star which graced her living room window. It represented to every passerby that her son wore the uniform of his country and was actively serving. When I would pass the house, she often opened the door and invited me in to read the latest letter from Arthur. Her eyes would fill with tears; I would then be asked to read aloud. Arthur meant everything to his widowed mother. …“While at Saipan in the South Pacific, the ship Arthur served on was attacked. Arthur was one of those on board who was lost at sea.“The blue star was taken from its hallowed spot in the front window of the Patton home. It was replaced by one of gold, indicating that he whom the blue star represented had been killed in battle. A light went out in the life of Mrs. Patton. She groped in utter darkness and deep despair.“With a prayer in my heart, I approached the familiar walkway to the Patton home, wondering what words of comfort could come from the lips of a mere boy” “Mrs. Patton gazed into my eyes and spoke: ‘Tommy, I belong to no church, but you do. Tell me, will Arthur live again?’ To the best of my ability, I testified to her that Arthur would indeed live again” Twenty-five years later, after President Monson had lost contact with Mrs. Patton, he gave a talk during a general conference…

“I expressed to Mrs. Patton my personal testimony as a special witness, telling her that God our Father was mindful of her—that through sincere prayer she could communicate with Him; that He too had a Son who died, even Jesus Christ the Lord and one day we would see Him face-to-face.“As I have mentioned, Mrs. Patton was not a member of the Church. I learned that something akin to a miracle had taken place. Latter-day Saint neighbors invited her to their home to listen to a session of conference with them. She accepted their invitation and thus was listening to the very session where I directed my remarks to her personally.“To my astonishment and joy, I received a letter from Mrs. Patton:“‘Dear Tommy,“ I don’t know how to thank you for your comforting words, both when Arthur died and again in your talk. I have had many questions over the years, and you have answered them. I am now at peace concerning Arthur. … God bless and keep you always’” (“Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 22).

How do you typically respond when something bad happens to you?

How might you respond if something bad happened to you and you had done nothing to deserve it?

Read Job 1:1–3 and look for words or phrases that describe Job.

Job 1:9-11 Satan? Really? NOTE: The Lord does not really make agreements with

Satan. The conversations between the Lord and Satan in the book of Job are presented in a poetic narrative that emphasizes Satan’s role as our adversary. In reality, the Lord has power over Satan and has no need to bargain with him.

When bad days come…

“From the limited perspective of those who do not have knowledge, understanding, or faith in the Father’s plan—who look at the world only through the lens of mortality with its wars, violence, disease, and evil—this life can seem depressing, chaotic, unfair, and meaningless” (Elder Cook “The Songs They Could Not Sing,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 104).

What are some examples of challenges or trials that may be especially difficult to experience without understanding Heavenly Father’s plan?

1. Job 1:13-152. Job 1:16-173. Job 1:18-194. Job 2:7–85. Job 2:9-106. (What did he wish for?) Job 3:1–3 7. (What did his friends say about his trials?): Job 8:6, 208. (How was Job feeling?) Job 10:15 9. (What is Job thinking?) Job 17:1,1510. (What attitude did Job have?) Job 13:13–16 11. (What did the Lord say He wanted Job to do?) Job 38:1–312. (What attitude did Job have?) Job 42:1–213. What is your favorite saying or advice about enduring trials well?

One thing after another…

“To ask, Why does this have to happen to me? Why do I have to suffer this, now? What have I done to cause this? will lead you into blind alleys. It really does no good to ask questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Rather ask, What am I to do? What am I to learn from this experience? What am I to change? Whom am I to help? How can I remember my many blessings in times of trial? “To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning. Your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience” (Elder Scott, “Trust in the Lord,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 17).

Video- “Come What May, and Love It” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVNYhcYEwIE

Video presentation—“Come What May, and Love It” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVNYhcYEwIE

1. Who is someone you admire for choosing to have faith in God during trials? How did this person show faith in God?

2. Why do you think it is important to know that trials come upon the righteous as well as the wicked?

3. How have your trials helped to refine you? How have your trials made your heart softer?

4. How have you been blessed as you have remained faithful to the Lord during your trials?

5. FILL IN THESE BLANKS: 1. Job 23:6. If we turn to the Lord in our afflictions, then _____________.2. Job 23:10. Our trials can _____________________________________.3. Job 23:16. Our trials can _____________________________________.

Trials: A Discussion

Job 19:25-26

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth;And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

Job 19:23-24

Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book!That they were graven with an iron pen in the rock forever!

How many times have Job’s words been “Printed in a book”?

Best estimate= 7.5 billion bibles printed.

Plus Hymn 136, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

• Included in every LDS hymn book since the first was published in 1835.

• Inspired by Job’s writings, it was written by Samuel Medley in 1775.

• The hymn is included in the hymn books of many Christian churches.

Job 19:23-24

Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book!That they were graven with an iron pen in the rock forever!

Job 19:25-26

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth;And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

“The assurance of resurrection gives us the strength and perspective to endure the mortal challenges such as the physical, mental, or emotional deficiencies we bring with us at birth or acquire during mortal life. Because of the resurrection, we know that these mortal deficiencies are only temporary!” (Elder Oaks, “Resurrection,” Ensign, May 2000, 15).

Who do you know that is especially excited for the resurrection?

Video presentation—“He Will Give You Help”

VIDEO

Video presentation—“He Will Give You Help”

VIDEO

Job 42:10–17: How did the Lord bless Job after he remained faithful and endured such great trials? What principles can we learn from Job’s experience?

The Rest of the Story

“The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.“One of the blessings of the gospel is the knowledge that at the end of our mortal lives, life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father” (“Come What May, and Love It,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 28).

Edler Wirthlin

“The Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning”

Job 42:12