"True enduring happiness with the accompanying strength, courage and capacity to overcome the most challenging difficulties comes from a life centered in Jesus Christ," said Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve.

In a deeply felt address on having trust in the Lord during adversity, Elder Scott spoke in the Saturday morning session of conference."It is a singularly marvelous blessing to have faith in the Savior and a testimony of His teachings," Elder Scott said. "So few in the world have that brilliant light to guide them. The fullness of the restored gospel gives perspective . . . to face what otherwise would appear to be unjust, unfair, unreasonable challenges of life.

"Obedience to His teachings provides a sure foundation upon which to build. There is absolute assurance that, in the Lord's time, solutions will come, peace will prevail and emptiness will be filled."

Elder Scott said that it can be hard for a person to understand when exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not bring the desired result.

While no one wants adversity, trials and challenges come, he said. Some are caused by transgression of the laws of God, which requires humble repentance. Other trials occur for "our refinement that comes from testing - testing that a wise Heavenly Father determines is needed even when you are living a worthy, righteous life and are obedient to His commandments. These experiences stimulate growth, understanding and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit."

He said that people experiencing adversity are not served by asking questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Rather, a spirit of "Let me know Thy will," and "Thy will be done" puts a person in the strongest position "to receive the maximum help from a loving Father."

He said support from the Lord will generally come step by step, a portion at a time.

"This life is an experience in profound trust - trust in Jesus Christ, trust in His teachings, trust in our capacity as led by the Holy Spirit to obey those teachings for happiness now and for a purposeful, supremely happy eternal existence," explained Elder Scott.

He said that as the Lord closes one door in life, other compensating doors will later open. "He will place in your path packets of spiritual sunlight to brighten your way."

The Lord's plan is for exaltation, continued Elder Scott, with the rate of progress set by an individual's capacity to mature and grow. "He is preparing you to be a god. You can not understand fully what that means, yet He knows.

"As you willingly obey, receive and honor the ordinances and covenants of that holy plan, you can have the greatest measure of satisfaction in your life," he said. "Yes, even times of overpowering happiness."