Two articles that go hand in hand in this issue are "Ancient Exmples, Modern Promises" and "Make Yours a Great Life". These articles teach two key gospel principles, not only for members of the church, but for all people. Faith and Hope. In Moroni 7:42 it says, "Wherefore if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope."
The articles teach from the lives of 5 ancient examples in scriptures, and one modern day prophet - Joseph Smith. All who suffered difficult trials and circumstances and all who trusted in Heavenly Father and His plan. They had great faith and tremendous hope. Here are just three of them:
Joseph of Egypt: "...forcefully taken from his home at 17 and thrust into foreign lands...13 years of undesirable situations...imprisoned until the age of 30. Instead of choosing to rebel, pout, or curse God, Joseph exercised remarkable faith. As a result he was tremendously blessed."
Abraham: "The Lord commanded Abraham to sacrifice his long awaited son Isaac. Abraham was obedient. His love for his son was great, but he loved the Lord above all else. Abraham's faithfulness was rewarded not only with the life of his son but also with innumerable posterity and other blessings."
Mary: "She was from humble beginnings and probably wondered about her future. Her espoused husband couldn't find a decent place for her to give birth to her son, and later because people wanted to kill her baby, the young family had to flee to another country."
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."
President Uchtdorf said, "There may be times when we must make a courageous decision to hope even when everything around us contradicts [our] hope."