Escaping Enemy Territory

I love learning about my family.  My grandfather told me some stories about a relative who served during WWII as a paratrooper.  This story is one of my favorites:
"Asael Lyman was part of the 82nd Airborne which went in behind the German lines into Holland. They were in wooden gliders and lost a third of their men before they even got on the ground. Only a handful of men survived this campaign.

"He goes from an innocent country boy to a battle hardened soldier in a matter of three days or so. He told me about trying to dig with his nose because he was in a partially dug foxhole and the Germans were trying to dig him out with a machine gun. Bullets were going through his clothes. The Americans were eventually pinned down and captured and put in a prison camp after riding for several days in a train boxcar where they could not lay or sit down so many were crammed into the cars.

"While in the camp, he saved the cigarettes he was supplied by the Red Cross in his mattress until he had enough to buy a few potatoes which he traded over the fence with the locals for a map, and compass, and two Italian worker's uniforms. He and an Italian man walked right out the front gate and hid in barns and other places until they got back to friendly forces.

"His parents didn't know he was alive for 6 months until he called from New York on his way home."
(W. Wilcken)

Aseal reached the Allied forces by listening to the Machine Gun fire of the two opposing armies.  You may not think they would be different, but because of the abilities of both armies, they manufactured different equipment.  Being trained to go behind enemy lines, Aseal knew what to look for.

We are in enemy territory right now.  Sounds stupid but think about it, Satan rebelled against God.  He is going around trying to destroy the souls of men, and we are stuck on his ground.  But it's not hopeless.  Even though we have a lot of opposition in our way, we can still make it back, even those under Satan's grip.  Our search for happiness or even truth will help us receive certain tools needed for the journey back home.  God has given us the scriptures for a map so as to have an idea what we need to do.  Heartfelt prayer provides direction in our journey, much like a compass.  As we pray, truly seeking God's help, we are given direction through the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost.  You can go ahead and ignore it if you want, you are not going to get everything you want following the Holy Ghost. But you will be the happiest.  The road is going to be rough, and you are guaranteed to experience opposition along the way.  But as you press forward towards your eternal goal (heaven), you will make it home.

Something I've found fascinating about the world around us, is everything has a certain "voice" or "feeling" telling us what it is.  This is better known as the Light of Christ.  We are born with the ability to tell good from evil.  No one is born bad.  As we try certain activities we will get a certain feeling about what it is.  When an activity is bad, our conscience will give us a bad feeling to warn us.  Because the rate of fire on a German machine gun is faster than an American one, Aseal was able to tell which army he was near.  When we feel good, it must be the place we are at is good.  If we get a bad feeling as we near a certain place, it is wise to stay away from that place.

God has given us the tools we need to make it home.  Christ has provided us a way to make it home.  We are separated from God here on earth.  He wants us home.  Can you imagine the homecoming when we make it to heaven?  Our job is not to sit there and wait to be rescued.  Often times it requires us to rise up and go, because Christ cannot save us in sin.  He asks us to leave our nets, follow him, and he will give us eternal life.  As we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost we are able to stay away from destructive influences that will tear us down.  The gentle promptings will only be felt so long as we invite it into our lives.  The spirit is neither loud nor forceful, but it's impression is greater than anything man has created.  That is what will lead us home.

President Boyd K. Packer tells us what the Spirit is there for:

Finding direction is most important.  See how to filter the voices:

Infestation of the Soul

This blog is interactive.  I would invite the reader when they have read this to share ways we can fight the mentioned plague. I may add to this blog when I find materials that could help.  - Elder J. Ford

"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."
- Romans 6:12

Let's imagine something here, let's imagine something that isn't real.  Imagine you are at home and you suddenly hear the door being hit repeatedly.  Then you hear windows being smashed on the ground floor (if you have one).  Outside there are growls, moans and some screaming.  When you look outside you see a large group wandering outside.  None of them are walking right, and some have decaying flesh.  What you are seeing is a Zombie horde, and you are being attacked. (Back to reality.)

What is a Zombie?  By popular media definition it is a undead person that is rotting away and wants to kill you, eat you or just take your brain and turn you into one of them.  Simply put, it is for your best interests to stay away from them.  "Zombie experts" say you should stay in a secure area where they can't get in, have weapons on hand, thick clothing, and hold out till help comes to get you away from the drooling freaks.  I my opinion, don't even go near them.

Now I personally don't believe we will have a Zombie Apocalypse.  Zombies don't bring judgment anyway.  But there is a danger out there that is comparable to that of a Zombie horde.  That danger is Pornography.  Why pornography? Because that will destroy your mind much like a zombie would.  It will take control over your mind, and destroy your character.  Don't believe me?  That is only because you have never felt the explainable hunger and torment that comes from a porn addiction.  Pornography is everywhere and takes away everything you value.  Pornography destroys your character, families, marriages, relationships we have or might have, and your perception of the world.  It is something that you cannot allow into your life.  No one will ever be mature enough to handle it.

Scientists have proved that viewing pornography (visual or oral) rewires the brain until it is ruined.  Pornography to say the least is an addiction.  Addictions are bad, nothing can support that.  If you see it once you have to see it again and again.  Basically, you turn into a  zombie; mindless and heartless.  Also your very character begins to decay much like a zombie's body.  Your very actions are changed and people around will think you are being creepy.  Pornography also changes your view on people.  You don't see them as human beings, but objects.  You become selfish, un-sympathetic, and crave your new pleasure every second of everyday.  This is not like a sunny beach in Hawaii, it is one of the most tormenting things you will experience in your life.  It is not worth tampering with.

Now, how do you fight this.  Every video game, or movie, will show everyone scrabbling for weapons and immediately starts fighting off the horde.  They are trying to survive and get away.  What weapons can you use to fight pornography?  My favorite is the scriptures.  I consider it my primary weapon.  Using the scriptures helps build up the strength necessary to sand firm against dangerous influences such as pornography.  It directs you the path you need to take in order to fight these problems.  Prayer is important too.  If you do not pray to God, you will be left to yourself and that fight is not an easy one.  Church attendance, listening to counsel from parents and leaders, and your choice of friends play a huge role in it too.

The most important thing you can do is stay away from Pornography.  It don't matter how strong you are, you will not Survive.  President Gordon B. Hinckley says it best, "Stay away from them as you would the plague."  As fun as shooting zombies sounds, eventually you are going to run out of ammo. Melee weapons can't fight off very many for long and you are going to get tired fast.  So instead of becoming some movie hero and fight till your dead, it would be best to avoid fighting (if possible) until you can be evacuated out.  If someone offers you Pornography refuse it.  If it appears on your computer screen get off it, crash your computer if you have too.  Delete it off your phone, do everything you can to get rid of it. Most viruses come from porn sights (hint, hint, pun included).  So now you know what you are up against, act now and avoid the plague.  As you stay away from pornography you are able to have a strong peace of mind, closeness to friends and family and to God.  Pornography is not something you can live with, it's something you can live WITHOUT!  Throw out the garbage that comes from filth such as pornography and embrace an addiction free life.

 See the consequences that come from pornographic activity:

I know there is more we can add to this blog.  I would invite my readers to add to the comments how we can help fight the pornographic plague so others can be enlightened. Thank You! - Elder J. Ford (writer)

Greater than the Enemy before you

There is a story in the bible of Elisha the Prophet that I really enjoy.  The Israelite Nation and the Assyrian's were at war with each other.  At a critical time the Israelite camp was surrounded by the enemy and all hope of victory was gone.  The Servant of Elisha asked in desperation "What are we going to do?"  Elisha responded by saying, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." Elisha then prayed to God that his servant's eyes could be opened so that he could see.  When the servant looked at the Assyrian army, he saw chariots of fire and the angels of God in greater number than that of the Assyrians.

Joshua 1:9

As we go through life we are going to have times where we feel as if the very world surrounds us giving us no hope for survival.  Standards are dropping, and everyone in the earth seems happy with it.  Many are pressuring you to do the same.  We can catch ourselves asking, "is this right?"  It must seem hopeless to try living in a world where your standards are regarded as pathetic.  But we do not need to despair.  We are not alone to go through blindly.  In fact God has provided us the means so as we are not alone in this world.  Christ told his Apostles after his resurrection, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."  The same thing applies to us today.  Christ didn't send us out do the impossible.  He sent us out so that we may learn how we can become like him.  He has already accomplished the impossible.

Even though God will stand by ready to help us when in need, we may be discouraged by what we do not see.  Some of us may believe that we stand alone in a world of changing or different views.  There is a story from President Thomas S. Monson when he was in Navel Boot Camp during WWII.  He was standing at attention with his group when his petty officer began splitting everyone up into their religious groups so they could worship. Catholics to one area, Protestants to another, and Jews to some place else.  President Monson realized he was none of those, and decided to stand there.  He felt alone.

It never crossed his mind that there were others behind him till the Petty Officer ask, “And just what do you guys call yourselves?”  In unison the handful of sailors answered, "Mormons."  The Petty Officer then sent them someplace to where they could worship.

D&C 10:5

You are not the only one who thinks the way you do.  I've felt like I was the only one with my beliefs before.  As I grew older I found more people who felt the same I did, and those times alone helped me treasure the times I was grouped.  If you ever feel like you are completely and utterly alone, turn to the Savior and He will give you comfort and maybe even lead you to others just like you.  Prayer is your most powerful tool God has given you.  Use it.  You don't receive help unless you call for it.  God will send you the help you need when you ask for it.  Don't give up, keep moving forward.  The Reward is near.

For the full story and talk by President Thomas S. Monson, click here.

Wealthy

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin

"Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3)

Hey let's talk money!  We all love money.  We all want money.  Money gets us everything we want in this world.  With out money we are lost in this world.  But I have some bad news for you.  To be rich you have to work for it.  Sorry, but life is not handed to you on a silver platter with your name in gold.

There are many different kinds of rich.  There are multiple ways to define wealth, some you might have never heard of.  But I want to focus on wealth in knowledge, primarily the wealth you can find in the Scriptures.  Have you ever thought there are hidden treasures in the Scriptures?  If you would have asked me that when I was a early teen, I would have laughed in your face.  But now I've discovered "gold mines", right inside the very pages of the Scriptures.  Now before you start laughing, I want to show you what I have done to reap from these "mines".

I always begin my study with prayer.  There are going to be things I am not going to understand while I am reading.  I can have a dictionary, a computer with Internet, or my parents with me to tell me the answers.  But it will not mean so much to me if someone else told me how it worked.  Often times it may take years to understand one part.  As I am studying, other things that I have learned in all my years will sometimes come back to memory, some that I have not looked at in a long time.  (2 Nephi 28:30.)



A Gold mine from God



Having a study journal helps in our study.  Just like you need a place to store your money in, you should very well have a place to store your thoughts.  Your brain is not enough.  Writing down what you learn, and what your thoughts are, will not only help you learn something, but will help you remember everything.  Thinking about what you are studying helps to.  When you think over it, your able to piece together how it works and what it is used for.  It also increases understanding.  The most important thing is time.  You have to be patient with yourself and what you want.  No one is given knowledge.  It is obtained through hard work.  It's going to be a challenge, but it is most rewarding. Thomas Fuller said, "All things are difficult before they are easy."  You don't know everything yet, but that can all change.  You can be opened to ALL the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.  Just have faith in God and he will grant you your wish according to your desires, as he sees fit.

As you continue to study you'll understand more and be able to tackle bigger questions.  But it all begins with a desire and putting in the effort.  God is not going to give us an understanding right there.  We need to meet him half way and do our part.  I promise that as you diligently study, the doctrine of the kingdom will fall on you like rain.

Bourn into Adversity, Raised a Hero

Have you ever heard of a "Smoke Jumper"?  Smoke Jumpers are firefighters who jump out of airplanes right next to forest fires to put them out.  Their job is very dangerous, but they understand what their job is and are willing to do it.  They'll do everything they can to help stop the fire from spreading, and when the job gets too dangerous they are airlifted out.  They are right in the heat of the fire.  There must be a lot of stress in the job.

Sometimes you may feel like you were purposely placed where you are meant to suffer.  Not true.  We were born into this earth to gain experience.  Those experiences may be hard, but they are here to teach you things you will need to become great.  Before this earth was created you were told of the experiences you would have in this life, but you were promised that if you would be diligent and have faith in Jesus Christ, your reward in heaven would be great.  Smoke Jumpers don't simply walk into a plane and just jump out.  Before they are loaded into the plane, they are briefed over what is going on and are given the equipment they need to complete the job.  They are then loaded into the plane and flown to where they need to be.  Once they are at the drop point they jump out.  They are confident in the training they received before they made their first jump.  You don't remember your life before this one.  If we did we wouldn't learn anything in this life.  We have to go through this life by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:6-9).  We were prepared before the world was created for this life.  We understood the task at hand and were willing to do so.

God didn't leave us to just go about trying to be good all by ourselves.  He gave us commandments to follow to lessen the many bruises we may receive on earth.  Smoke Jumpers are given orders what they need to do, and we have commandments so that we know what to do.  Communication is something else we are not left without either.  Smoke Jumpers will carry radios with them so that if the situation gets too dangerous, they can be rescued.  When we pray to God, we establish a line of communication with him and make it possible to receive help.  Even though God knows what we need, he wants us to learn what we need.  Prayer helps us see what we need so that it is possible for us to learn and grow.

It may seem at times that you are right in the heat of everything.  I've felt that way too.  But I was taught that before I reached my adult age, I was being prepared for my mission in life.  Every hard moment, every struggle, and every time I felt pain was not to treat me like trash.  It was to prepare me for the purpose God had for me.  I have always found comfort in D&C 121:7-8 where the Lord comforts the Prophet Joseph amid a great and trying time in his life.  Joseph in despair cried, "My God, where art thou!"  The Lord's response was to take heart, and do not despair, the hard times are soon to end.  AND if he endured to the very end, God will reward him a Hero's reward.  In D&C 122:7 he said all our trials are for our good, so that we may be ready to carry out the work God has need for us to do.

The Savior has felt the pain of the Whole World and is ready to give you aid when you fell like you can go no further.  He has suffered more than any man alive.  I've seen the how my hard times have trained me for the task I have been and soon will be entrusted with.  So when you have a time where you feel like you can't go on, remember this: you are the hero in your own personal study.  You are a vital key in God's work and he needs YOU.  Remember that you are important and there is no one on this earth that can take your place.

Replenishing our Shields

Let's talk video games.  In case you are not familiar with the game "Halo", I'll give you a quick overview on what you do.  The "Halo" video game involves special super soldiers nicknamed "Spartans" that are sent against a Alien nation bent on destroying all Humans.  This first person shooter game puts you right into the heat of the fight.  Now before I start advertising the game let me get to the point.

Your "Spartan" is protected by a simple shield (that isn't seen) that surrounds your Spartan.  This shield allows you to take huge amounts of small arms fire before your Spartan is no longer safe.  When the shield is depleted you must find protection, otherwise your Spartan will be killed in action.  Once the shield has been replenished, you are ready to go right into combat.  However just because you have a shield does not make your Spartan invincible.  Getting hit by vehicles, explosions, and certain melee weapons will kill your Spartan.

Now, let's face reality here.  You are living life day by day, week by week. It can get tiring at times and stressful.  Sometimes it seems like you are under intense fire, just like the Spartans in Halo.  How can you get "shields" for you regular life?  I find that weekly church attendance, and keeping the Sabbath day Holy, is a great way to give us a shield for the week. 

By Church attendance we allow the Holy Ghost to teach us the doctrine of God and strengthen us for the week.  Sabbath day worship has been a commandment of God since the dawn of time (Exodus 20:8-11).  God didn't command this just so we could be "enslaved".  He wants us to able to withstand our trials standing strong.  Church provides me, and others, a recharge for the week.  I don't feel as strong without it.  Another part of the the Sabbath day, is the partaking of the sacrament.  The Sacrament is a renewal of the covenants (promises) we made with God from baptism.  It is also a way of remembering the sacrifice the Savior made for us.

There are activities you should do on the Sabbath.  The "Strength of Youth" pamphlet says, "Many uplifting activities are appropriate for the Sabbath. Worship the Lord, attend church, spend quiet time with your family, study the gospel, write letters, write in your journal, do family history work, and visit the sick or home bound. Your dress before, during, and after church meetings should show respect for the Sabbath . . . Sunday is not a holiday or a day for recreation or athletic events. Do not seek entertainment or spend money on this day." 

Sunday is a day of rest, from the world.  But that doesn't give you the excuse to go ahead and play video games, watch the new popular movies or play sports.  Spending relaxing time with family, or visiting those who are ill are examples of activities we can and should do on the Sabbath.  This is our time to reconnect with the Lord (Mark 2:27).  Do anything contrary to that. It would be like staying exposed to enemy fire too long or going against an enemy ten times your size.

Just because you also got a recharge for the week, doesn't mean you can do what ever you want for the rest of the week.  You still have to keep the commandments and stay away from activities and places that would damage your shield.  Daily scripture study, praying, and keeping the commandments can help keep you "shield" where it needs to be everyday, but Church attendance makes it stronger (D&C 59: 8-11).  By doing these things you are able to withstand the trials of the week and come out stronger.

To see what the "Strength of Youth" pamphlet says about the Sabbath go to: http://www.lds.org/manual/for-the-strength-of-youth-fulfilling-our-duty-to-god/sabbath-day-observance?lang=eng

Fortification for the Soul (Part 2: Weapons)



(Continuation of Fortification for the Soul (Part 1: Walls and Towers)

 



(Ephesians 6:11-18)



Once all the fortifications were built and ready, weapons were made to defend the city.  Without weapons the defences are just simple buildings.  We need weapons in life, but I'm not talking about literal weapons that kill.  God has given us special weapons to fight against the adversary.  It is stronger than any weapon formed by man.  We can find those weapons through daily scripture study.  Listening to the prophets, maintaining good moral standards and following God's commandments help us find stronger weapons and keep them sharp.  The scripture point to Christ who is the creator of our weapons (John 5:39).



(1 Nephi 15:24,
Heb. 4:12)



We will also be given "armor" as we apply the principles and commandments we are given and follow them. This is a continual process.  We must always strengthen our defences and never waver from it.  As we do so Satan can no longer triumph over us and will be forced to turn away in defeat.  Our spirits our kept safe and we can return to God knowing we have won the fight against Satan.



(Jeremiah 4:14)

 One other thing that Moroni did that help make sure his defences were strong is found in verses 9, 7, & 11-12.  He gathered his armies and drove out the Lamanites in certain places in the land to avoid having bulges in his lines.  Any bulges in Moroni's lines would have exhausted more resources to defend those cities on the other side.  It was not a matter of conquest.  We can have bulges in our lives, it is by allowing certain vices to remain in our lives while expecting to live God's law (Matt. 6:24).  Look at the image on the right.  As you can see that is a major mess.  Someone should have emptied that trash can out a long time ago.  When we allow any kind of vice to stay with us it's like letting our trash can go over the top.  We need to "empty out the garbage" in our lives.  It may mean tossing out those magazines, changing what we listen too or watch, picking more modest clothing or literally throwing out alcohol and tobacco in order to be in harmony with God.  It may not be easy to clean up the trash, but everything will look so much better.  Believe me, a clean house is better than a dirty one.  And it doesn't invite pests either.

Now that we have our defences made, and our bulges removed we are more than ready to fight Satan.  This is a battle we are sure to win.  Why?  Because you have been fortified and prepared to follow God so that Satan no longer has hold on you.

Fortification for the Soul (Part 1: Walls and Towers)

Fortification is a system of defence that has been prepared for an attack.  Through out the history of the world, men have made different fortifications to protect their homes and country from an attack from an enemy.  It has gone from simple wood walls, to majestic castles, to high tech radar that spots enemy movements long before the attack is made.  It is necessary for nations to be fortified in order to protect their rights and liberties.  The same thing applies to us.  We need spiritual fortification in order to protect ourselves from Satan and his lies.  If we are not fortified he can break through to our hearts and put us under his control.  I have here step-by-step instructions how you can built an unbeatable defence that Satan cannot punch through.

(Alma 48:11-13, 17)

In the Book of Mormon, in Alma Chapter 50, verses 1-6, it talks about about a man who fortified his people when their security was endangered.  His name was Captain Moroni.  He was the supreme commander of the Nephite Armies.  He came around during a time of great crisis.  The enemies of the Nephite Nation were invading their borders, jeopardizing their dearly treasured freedoms. The Lamanite Nations, their enemies, wanted to destroy all Nephites.  Naturally you'd expect tons of preparation immediately taking place once the attacks began.  However, they did not start building weapons and fortifying their cities once the Lamanite armies began marching into their county.  They were already prepared long before the attacks were made.  Verse one says that they never stop preparing for war and making fortifications.  It doesn't say, "and we began to fortify our towns and training our armies once the Lamanites attacked."  Once the Lamanites attacked there was no time left for preparing their fortifications.  Therefore they needed to be ready NOW, not later.  How do we get ready Now? Let's read on to find out what Moroni did to prepare now, then we will apply it to ourselves so that we are fortified and ready.

First he built "ridges/heaps of earth" around each city (verses 2-3).  He set up walls to slow the enemy down so they could not enter the city as fast.  We can build walls around us in order to protect ourselves.  We set up strong standards or morals to help keep unwanted influences out.  It's a matter of decision, it's like saying, "I am never going to drink alcohol."  When we decide to choose good over bad it adds stones to our walls.  When we are so set on choosing good, we have so high a walls that Satan cannot reach us.  When offered that drink, you will promptly refuse it and avoid the nasty consequence that follows.  The same can be said for Pornography, drugs and other vices.  Make sure your standards are strong stone walls, not simple wood walls that can be burned down.  Those are called, "maybe I won't choose bad". It's not firm.

Once the walls were built Moroni constructed towers.  Why would he want towers? Are not walls good enough?  Towers were built as a early warning system, long before airplanes and satellites were built.  Sending patrols of men were not good enough either.  In the case of a surprise attack, these men could not warn the city in time.  Towers could see the attack before it happens and give a warning just in time to meet the attack.  Since people in towers can see more than someone on the ground, they are able to know what is coming.  Our towers are people who we can trust that can guide us in life from a source of truth.  It can be parents, teachers, friends, or people of inspiration.  You wouldn't let a drunk or a lazy bum to stand guard in your towers now would you?  We should be very careful who we choose to follow.  There are many people who can lead you down "false paths" and into the land of shame and misery.  Christ has said, "By their fruits ye shall know them." (Matt. 7:20) If their actions and philosophy are not in harmony with God's commandments and will not help you become a better person, then it wouldn't be a smart idea to follow them.  God is usaully the best one to have in our towers.  Look to him, and Christ as often as you can.  He will never let you down.

(See "Fortification for the Soul (Part 2: Weapons) to have further instruction for you defence)

To the peak of Angel's Landing

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be lead away captive by him." - 3 Nephi 18:15

One of my favorite hiking spots in St. George is in Zion's National Park.  It is called "Angels Landing" and is the highest point in Zion's.  At one point of the hike you have to go over a thin trail head that is a straight drop on one side and a slide on the other.  The very ground you walk on is slippery sandstone.  Your only support is a chain that is chain that stretches along the trail.  This is a obstacle you must cross in order to make it to the top.  Many are deterred by this and do not reach the top.  When I made it to the top the first time I was deathly afraid of heights.  I couldn't get within ten feet of a ledge without turning white and running away.  My scout troop wanted to go to the top, and I did not.  One of my leaders offered me some words of encouragement and the troop had a group prayer before beginning our assent.  Almost instantly my worries were put aside.  Once we reached our major obstacle I had no fear at all.  I could look right over the cliff edge and have not an ounce of fear.  My heart still beats rapidly when I get close to the edge but it has never bothered me since that time.

One prayer was all I needed to help obtain the courage I needed to complete that hike.  I know it was not me.  I still hate heights but that one time I was never bothered by that fear.  What is so special about prayer?  Prayer is our two way communication with God.  In our journey through life God has given us a way to go through our trails with out being blind.  Just like on the trail to the peak of Angel's Landing, you are going to encounter trials and obstacles that will make you want to turn back.  All you have is a narrow pathway for you to travel on, and it appears that you may slip and fall.  BUT, you have a chain to hold you in place, you have prayer to hold to a solid and firm foundation so that you don't go anywhere.  Life will be challenging, you might slip at times, but you will not fall.  Because you have God to help keep you on the straight and narrow path YOU will make it to the top.  In Matt. 21:22 it reads, "whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall recieve." (see also 1 Nephi 15:11)  In our trials we can ask God for faith and give it to us.  He will only give us things that will benifit us.

Now I've saved the best for last.  When you reach the top of the peak you get to enjoy a spectacular view of most of the park.  The beauty of the canyons just soaks into you wit colors of red, green and blue.  When we reach our ultimate goal, despite our obstacles that try to turn us away, we get to enjoy the joy that comes from obedience to God's commandments and we have something that will last forever.  Eternal Happiness.  (D&C 121:7-8)  God has promised Eternal life when we diligently strive to obey his commandments and that is the most rewarding part of life.