Earthquake and tragedy in Japan

                                      Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur? 

                                        
  
   This is a question that is going through peoples minds with the recent disaster in Japan.  Does this question have an answer though.  Through the scriptures we learn of several of the answers to this question. 

   First off we read in 2 Nephi 2 in the Book of Mormon "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so...righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad."(2 Ne. 2:11)  There will always be opposition, on a personal level and on a larger level.  This is how we grow, we each have experiences that test our faith.  They are there so we can become stonger and better, and ultimately closer to our Father in Heaven.   

                                                                 
        
         There is another verse in the Book of Mormon in Alma 62:41 that says "But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility."  It is interesting that each of these people went through the same trials, and they were big trials.  Some chose to harden their hearts and some chose to soften and humble their hearts.  When we are faced with trial and opposition, which do we do?

    "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people." (Mosiah 23:21-22)   I know that this is true, each and everyone of us has our own trials and tests of faith.  Disasters and tragedies happen but if we put our trust in God, we will be lifted up at the last day.  May we all be humble and have faith and trust in Lord.