Comparing Problems

As Elder Evan A. Schmutz spoke of afflictions and trials, he reminded us that though the afflictions people suffer are (or at least seem to be) distributed unevenly, it doesn't do much good to compare our afflictions against others'. Rather, he encouraged us to learn from our afflictions, so we can gain the insights and learn the wisdom that God wants us to learn from them. It's not helpful to know whether our trials are more or less severe than another person's. Let it suffice that everyone has their own trials and afflictions and that God tailors the afflictions He gives us to best suit our strengths and needs, which vary greatly from one person to another. Your trials may be different from mine, and they may be stronger or weaker, or just as strong, but in different ways, but each of our trials are made specifically for us, and it's pointless to wish you had someone else's problems instead of your own. God's not going to let you trade, and even if He did, it would be counterproductive. Your afflictions were designed for you, to help you learn and grow. It doesn't matter if your problems are bigger or smaller than someone else's; they are just the right size and shape for you. So, let's try not to worry about who has it harder or easier than others. That's not going to help us become the people we need to be, but thankfully, our tailor-made trials will.