Elder Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve taught us about the purposes and challenges of trials. He said,

“Think it not strange,” [the Apostle Peter] said, “concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”

“These fiery trials are designed to make you stronger, but they have the potential to diminish or even destroy your trust in the Son of God and to weaken your resolve to keep your promises to Him. These trials are often camouflaged, making them difficult to identify. They take root in our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, our sensitivities, or in those things that matter most to us. A real but manageable test for one can be a fiery trial for another…

“By definition, trials will be trying. There may be anguish, confusion, sleepless nights, and pillows wet with tears. But our trials need not be spiritually fatal. They need not take us from our covenants or from the household of God.”

Neil L. Andersen
2012 October General Conference, “Trial of Your Faith”, Sat. Afternoon Session