Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain. — 2 Nephi 2:2
As we read and ponder the scriptures, many of these precious truths are no longer written on the printed page but become written in our hearts as we live them.
Such is the beautiful and encouraging witness that Lehi bears to his son, Jacob, in 2 Nephi 2:2. Lehi told his son that although he had suffered afflictions and much sorrow in his life that "thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain."
Recently, I was marveling about an incident that had taken place in our family and how the Lord had mercifully again turned an affliction into our gain. In reflecting upon this I realized that the most profound example of this scripture was in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He suffered the most excruciating pain ever experienced and not only turned it around for His gain but ours as well. He paid the price for all who come unto Him and repent of their sins (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16). Truly His suffering became our gain.
In like manner, He underwent a most terrible beating prior to His crucifixion followed by the brutal nailing of His hands, wrists and feet to the cross. How inhumane to have inflicted such suffering and sorrow upon the very Son of God and yet through it all He not only endured these afflictions but overcame them and death through His resurrection. Oh, the greatness and mercy of our Lord, who consecrated His afflictions for our gain! — Frances A. Stones, Vernal, Utah