Sometimes when life becomes especially difficult, we wonder if our Heavenly Father has forgotten us. We begin to doubt whether He really is aware of our needs and will help us overcome our problems. But it is when we move forward in faith that we see His hand in our lives, leading us toward Him as He gives us strength and guidance.
In 2005 Brother Lovemore Katandika and his wife moved from Zimbabwe to Cape Town, South Africa with their 3 year old son. It was difficult to find work, and at first he had to stand on the streets waiting for manual labour jobs. Because of his faith in the teachings of the gospel, he knew that the Lord watches over us. So he prayed for assistance and was willing to take any work he could get.
A friend of his told him of a security job available at an amusement park, so he went for an interview and was given the job. However, when he went for training, he discovered that he was required to work seven days a week from 7 am till 6 pm, which didn’t allow him to attend church at all. At the time he was a seminary teacher, so if he took the job, he wouldn’t be able to teach his class either.
He remembers, “Life was difficult, and I needed the job, but I never thought twice. I knew I could not take the job.” When he told his wife, she was understanding. He said: “I felt blessed that my wife knew the importance of keeping the Lord’s commandments. She had faith in me as a husband and father. She knew that the Lord would provide for us, and I knew that, too.”
Not long after turning down the Sunday job, the ward Employment Specialist phoned him to ask if he would be interested in a job that provided learning opportunities. Naturally the answer was yes. He fasted before going to the interview. He reflected, “Having served a mission gave me a testimony of fasting, and I knew that I would get what I needed through fasting.” A few days later, he was given the job and began working as a cleaner. Within a short time, however, he was given the opportunity to get a driver’s licence so he could become the company messenger. After a few years, everyone at the company was retrenched except Lovemore. Instead, he was assigned to do administrative work. The company even paid for him to attend computer courses so he could work as a receptionist.
He says: “My not working on Sunday has helped my son understand the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. He knows it is a special day and that we need to attend church.” Lovemore believes that the Holy Ghost inspired him and helped him choose the right path. He knows that the Lord loves him and will, as he says, “always provide a way and help whenever we are faithful to His commandments.” He testifies, “I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending loving people who helped me find better employment.”
Even though Heavenly Father allows us to endure trials so we can progress, He helps and blesses us when we are determined to obey His commandments, even at great personal sacrifice. As we make those sacrifices and receive the subsequent blessings, our testimonies are strengthened, and we are able to strengthen those around us.
Excerpted by Collette Burgoyne