Such As is Common to Man

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
- 1st Corinthians 10:13

Most definitely I am not the first one to go through my struggles.

I would also not be the last.

Here I share some answers to questions of my soul that have helped me.

Don't consider them as complete doctrine. They are mostly based on my experiences, and in my learning of true doctrine.

• "I'm feeling negative. What should I do?"

Firstly, identify why. A great help in identification is getting on my knees in prayer, and reading the scriptures.

Secondly, categorize it. Is it because of a weakness or a transgression? Sometimes it is a mixture of both. Either one requires faith in God's plan, and a commitment to push forward.

That commitment, I have experienced, is what heals, a lot of the time. From the moment of commitment to the completion of the personal-agency goal.

Be sorrowful for sin, be patient in understanding that God gives us weaknesses, and move forward in life. Regardless of my current struggles, God is there for me, and has a bright and glorious future in store!

• “Why do I keep on doubting?”

I attribute this to lacking an eternal perspective, due to lacking the Holy Ghost's companionship.

What have you done, Aaron, that needs repenting? What did you do to drive away the Spirit? How will you restitute? How will you avoid the same mistakes? Get to work on it NOW.

• Why don't I have the reassuring Spirit I can feel always?

Aaron, would it be a test if you always knew, with a surety above that of the highest star?

The test is, how will you react and act in times, periods and temptations of uncertainty, doubt, struggle, fatigue, loneliness, oppression, confusion? It will be the mark of who you will be. You change it by holding on to who you want to be, and who God wants you to be.

That's not to say the Spirit won't reassure you. Ask for His assurance. It will come when it is right to come.

• "How should I deal with a lack of knowledge of how to handle my future or situation?"

These moments are wonderful! They are opportunities to grow my relationship with the Lord.

I deal with them by choosing to do all I can and should do, all the while praying for the Lord's will. He will show me that He is in control.