Interesting Contrast

I gained some new insight into a verse near the very end of Alma. I find it interesting what a contrast there is in the two reactions of the Nephites to the long war with the Lamanites. In Alma 62:40 we read:

"But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility."

Interesting is the contrast of the reaction of different people to the same set of circumstances. The war cause some to become hardened and others to humble themselves before God. What lesson can we learn from this in our day? I think this verse teaches us that we can let afflictions either turn us away from God or turn us more towards him. It is my prayer that we will turn to God in times of affliction and become stronger because of it.