Spiritual Stretchmarks

When I was at Time-Out for Women with my buddy Shawna, I bought a book called Hard Times, Holy Places by Kristin Warner Belcher. Its an absolutely amazing read! Each day I read it, I feel more faithful and uplifted. I came across the below quote and found it very encouraging and strengthening.

Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain.--Elder Richard G. Scott {Trust in the Lord, Ensign, November 1995}