Adversity Quote by Neal A. Maxwell
“How can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, 'Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then, let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!'”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Lord's Prayer Reimagined, Neal A. Maxwell, 1995
The speaker asks for a painless, trouble‑free life, fearing that hardship shapes character and faith.
In simple terms: Avoiding pain also avoids growth.
Key Takeaway
Embrace challenges as part of spiritual development.
Themes
faith
growth
comfort
spirituality
Mood
reflective
hopeful
serene
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- counseling
- spiritual direction
- life coaching
- teaching
Key Concepts
theodicy
human experience
divine purpose
Questions to Reflect On
- What lessons might you miss by avoiding hardship?
- How can suffering deepen your relationship with the divine?
A Different Perspective
Pain and difficulty are essential for true maturity and empathy.
