Opposition

Ever feel like you're fighting an uphill battle?

Satan loves to throw obstacles at you, especially when you're about to do something good. I've had plenty of times where I learned the hard way and had to slowly find my way back to the light through Jesus Christ. That’s part of why we’re here: to learn, to grow, and help others do the same.

Back in high school, I wasn’t part of the “cool kids” crowd riding at the back of the bus. I had my small group of friends, but I stayed away from the weekend parties, drinking, and all that. After a couple of years, I made a name for myself in art and gymnastics, and eventually decided to check out one of those parties with some buddies. Right when I walked in, this beautiful girl from my art class came forward and kissed me — my first kiss. She wanted to go upstairs where it was quieter. My moral alarms were blaring. I said some dumb excuse and left soon after. I knew this was playing with fire, and never went back.

Another time, just a couple of weeks before leaving on my mission, I was in my college apartment alone when there was a knock on the door. A tall, beautiful varsity college volleyball player was standing there. She said she had seen me flipping around at football and basketball games — I was a yell leader for our college. I invited her in, but told her I was leaving soon for Hong Kong on a mission. After some small talk, she asked if we could head to the bedroom "to see where things go." She kissed me and said she had my yearbook picture up in her room. I thanked her, but told her I needed to stick to my mission plans — and kindly showed her the door. I had never had a random meeting like that happen in college before.

After the semester ended, my college roommate dropped me off at the missionary training center since he lived close and I couldn’t afford to fly home. About three weeks in, late at night after lights out, there’s a knock at my bedroom door. A panicked missionary from another dorm room said I had a visitor at a back maintenance exit, totally against the rules. I slid out of my top bunk and walked past a bunch of confused missionaries in their pajamas. It was close to 11 p.m. Turned out it was my first serious girlfriend, and a guy she wanted to marry. She asked for my blessing before they got married. After an awkward silence, I gave it. Then I walked head down back to my bunk past many silent, stunned missionaries. Nobody I knew had ever seen a "Dear John" moment like that before.

When I first got to the mission training center, I felt way behind everyone else. I didn’t even know I was supposed to be ordained a missionary before I showed up. I’d been there almost a month before someone realized I hadn’t even been officially ordained yet. They said they’d never heard of that happening before.

Once again, Satan was trying to plant doubt and distractions. But the mission president at the training center gave me an ordination blessing that was so powerful, even my district leader was blown away. It reminded me who I was. When you start making a real dent in Satan’s plans, he’ll throw distractions and self-doubt your way. Say your prayers, try to make good choices, and keep moving forward.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.