"We came to mortal life to encounter resistance. It was part of the plan for our eternal progress," said Elder Howard W. Hunter of the Quorum of the Twelve at the April 1980 general conference.

"Without temptation, sickness, pain and sorrow, there could be no goodness, virtue, appreciation for well-being, or joy. The law of opposition makes freedom of choice possible; therefore, our Heavenly Father has commanded His children, 'Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who has made you.' (Moses 6:33.)

Elder Hunter spoke of Church history and of accounts in the scriptures that demonstrate that opposition and tribulation well endured lead to growth and progress.

One "biography of faith" he mentioned was that of Nephi. "With his parents, he left prosperous circumstances in Jerusalem and then for eight years, in great affliction, journeyed in the wilderness. The family then crossed uncharted seas to a new land. During this period, Nephi was assailed, ridiculed, and persecuted by members of his household. Following the death of his father, Nephi and other family members had to separate themselves from his older brothers because they sought his life. Out of his despair, he declared, 'My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.' (2 Ne. 4:20.)

"Today other biographies of faith are being written — Saints who, like Job, suffer physical pain, emotional sorrow, and even disloyalty from friends — yet remain faithful; Saints who, like Jacob, see sons and daughters not so valiant as they should be, but who bless them for their potential; Saints who, like Paul, endure great ridicule and endure to the end; Saints who, like Nephi, must separate themselves from family because of their commitment to the gospel. There are those who know pain and sorrow because of loss of loved ones; who know spiritual sorrow because children go astray; who experience loss of health, financial reserves, and emotional distress, and yet, like Job, resolve, 'When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.' (Job 23:10.)"