Deep Water For Deep Roots

If you frequently water a potted plant with just a little bit of water, the plant will grow accustomed to constantly finding water right at the surface and will grow a very shallow root system because it has no reason to look for water other than right at the surface. However, if you water the plant less often, but fill that pot up from top to bottom, then the plant will be encouraged to grow roots all the way to the bottom to look for water. None of us like to be thrown into the deep, deep waters of affliction. If we must face adversity, we would all of us prefer that it be as shallow and as quick as possible. But if God were to shield us from all of the hardest trials and the deepest waters, then we would be unable to grow our roots as deep as we need. If we can brave the depths once, we will necessarily be strengthened and empowered to survive and thrive more capably if into the depths we must go once more. Not only that, but our greater understanding and capacity will give us the tools and the wisdom to help others who are also struggling with the same kinds of trials. "And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it." D&C 127:2). The deeper the waters in which we find ourselves, the deeper our roots will grow, and the stronger and more unshakeable will be our faith and our testimonies in the enabling power of Christ's Atonement. I know that there is a wise purpose to everything that the Father sees fit to inflict upon us, and if we put our trust in Him, all things will work together for our Good.