“We don’t always know the details of our future. We do not know what lies ahead. We live in a time of uncertainty. We are surrounded by challenges on all sides. Occasionally discouragement may sneak into our day; frustration may invite itself into our thinking; doubt might enter about the value of our work. In these dark moments Satan whispers in our ears that we will never be able to succeed, that the price isn’t worth
the effort, and that our small part will never make a difference. He, the father of all lies, will try to prevent us from seeing the end from the beginning.”
(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “See the End from the Beginning,” Ensign, May 2006, 43) (From Youth Gems)
In Mormon belief, there is little more damaging than discouragement. Giving up can often seem easier than struggling to do well, or to do at all, some days. And the funny thing is that failure isn’t really failure until you stop trying. There’s nothing permanent about falling down, unless you decide you don’t feel like getting up any more.
The Lord wants us to see the end from the beginning– that it’s worth it to keep trying, to keep working, to keep following the commandments, even when it’s hard. We can be above discouragement and stronger than doubt. The Mormon Church, however, is also about support. God is always with us and there are always people we can turn to.