In 2 Nephi 2:11 it says "For it must needs be that there is an opposition in all things"

It's interesting that it doesn't just say "there is an opposition in all things..." but there MUST NEEDS be.

We learn clearly that it is necessary to experience opposition. So I began to think why this must be.

I don't have the answers but I had thought this week that helped me have a clear view on this. (first a backstory) In January of 2019 I made the goal to run a marathon in June. I was so excited for it. I've always wanted to do one. So after finding a training plan and getting fitted for new running shoes, I began right away. I was following the plan and hitting all my runs throughout the week and the long runs on the weekend. Three months later I was running a 9 mile long run which was a huge hurdle for me to accomplish. I felt good afterwards and feeing pumped! Just a few days after I ran a shorter run and started feeling shin splints coming on. I put off my longer run (10miles) for a few days and when I started it, immediately I was in pain. Not exactly sure what to do, I kept running hoping it would go away. But noticing it wasn't I stopped and turned around with my head hang low.

My heart and mind were in this run but my body clearly wasn't. So I made it home almost in tears and began immediately researching shin splints and asking every person I know who may have experienced them. I wanted to conquer these as best as I could. So I started the recovery process by icing my leg, taking medication, stretching and doing cross training exercises.

Then I heard this scripture at church and it clicked to me that because I've been experiencing "opposition---aka shin splints" I now know so much more about how to train long distance. I know exercises to protect your shins, I know stretches that are critical and running gear that are helpful.

I can use this information plus seeking out guidance in my prayers to make me a stronger runner. And although I'm starting over at mile 1, I'm starting with a better knowledge of how to take care of my body.

It's interesting that opposition allows us to turn to God, turn to others and professional help to recieve the knowledge we need to accomplish what we need to accomplish.