At the October 1981 general conference, Elder Robert D. Hales, then of the First Quorum of the Seventy and now of the Quorum of the Twelve, said that the story of Job in the Old Testament relates three of the great tests all should be prepared to face at some period in their lives.

"First, temporal setbacks. Job lost all he owned," Elder Hales said. "Second, physical illness that will test our faith and testimony. And third, depression."Job said, Why died I not from the womb?' (Job 3:11.)My soul is weary of my life.' (Job 10:1.) But the great lesson of Job is that, `in all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.' (Job 1:22.)

"Too often when adversity strikes, we use it as a justification to commit sin and turn away from the teachings of Jesus Christ, the prophets who lead us, and our family and friends. Job maintained his testimony and was blessed for his unwavering faith that God lived and that he would dwell in God's presence."

Elder Hales referred to President Spencer W. Kimball as "being a righteous man like Job," who endured many trials - cancer of the throat, heart surgery, boils, cranial surgery, and numerous other afflictions. He said that President Kimball's experiences served "as an example of how we should meet similar adversity and suffering in our lives."

He said that President Kimball had not sinned or charged God foolishly, but had kept his integrity and his testimony, and had sung the praises of the Lord throughout his many physical trials. "We have never heard him complain about his trials," Elder Hales said. "On the contrary, his challenge has been, `Give me this mountain' to climb." (See Josh. 14:12.)

Elder Hales said that the courage and faith of President Kimball to overcome adversity are an example to all, "to testify that we, too, can meet the challenges of life. Our aches and pains are but little hurts in comparison to his. After his throat operation, President Kimball had no voice. During a testimony meeting in the temple, President David O. McKay asked him to bear his testimony. He could not speak a word. He could only utter inaudible, breathy sounds. He wrote a note to President McKay afterwards and asked, Why would you do that to me?' The president answered,Spencer, you must get your voice back, for you still have a great mission to perform.' (What a moving example of the love of one prophet for another.) President Kimball was obedient. He learned how to control air in his throat and to use the scar tissue that developed in his larynx and his remaining vocal cord. He regained his voice and carried on his great work. The accomplishment of President Kimball's prophetic mission will stand equal to any in this or any other dispensation.' "