Counsel me not

I'm still thinking about the allegory of the olive tree in Jacob 5. At one point, the Lord shows the servant the place where he has grafted one of the branches of the original tree into a wild tree. The servant is surprised, because this particular wild tree is located on a poor spot of ground, perhaps the worst in the vineyard. The servant questions the Lord: "How comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree?"

The Lord responds: "Counsel me not; I knew that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it his long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much fruit."

I think of the times in my life that have been particularly challenging---when I felt like my life was suddenly transplanted onto hard, rocky terrain instead of rich comfortable topsoil. How many times have I complained to the Lord that this particular challenge wasn't in the program, wasn't in my plans, and how could I possibly overcome. I now am beginning to see the wisdom in the Lord's kind but firm response: "Counsel me not, little one. The ground is rocky and barren, and growth will be difficult. But I will take care of you and give you the strength to succeed and become stronger, if you trust me." And ultimately, those challenging times and experiences are the ones that generate the sweetest fruits of faith, testimony, love, and consecration to the Lord and his gospel.