1 Nephi 9:6 - "But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words."
In this Nephi is talking about the Lord's commandment that Nephi should keep a record of his people; that he doesn't know the purpose for it, but he knows that God knows and is wise and has a purpose for everything.
I believe that's true. And this verse is applicable to more than just this particular situation. It means a lot to me at this point in my life with the things that I have going on right now. Speaking of my decision to move out west and not knowing exactly how that's going to work out. But I know that it's the right thing for me to do, and I know that God will find a way to make it happen, in a way that is best for me.
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Sunday, June 20, 2010
1 Nephi chapter 5
The only thing I really made note of in this chapter is Sariah's mourning for her sons, as they waited for them to return from Jerusalem with the brass plates. I couldn't help but draw a parallel to Emma Smith's suffering as she lost child out of child during the hardships that the pioneers faced as they were driven out of each city and had to start over. I've noticed the same kind of mourning in my own mother at times, as she worried about the many difficulties that her own children have gone through (which has seemed to be an awful lot for one family). I couldn't help but wonder what motherhood must be like and how hard it must be to watch your children go through hard times, or even worse to lose a child. I think that is one of my biggest fears in this life.
Anyway, that's what I noticed in this chapter.
Anyway, that's what I noticed in this chapter.
1 Nephi chapter 4
Two things stood out to me in this chapter:
First, Nephi reasoned within himself the words of the angel and the justification in slaying Laban when the Lord delivered Laban into his hands. Specifically he realizes that in order for his posterity to have the law of Moses, that they might be obedient to the Lord in the promised land, they need to actually have the words of the law of Moses with them to be able to teach it to the people. I just find it interesting the thought process that Nephi goes through in order for him to understand this particular commandment of the Lord, even after the angel gives him a reason as well. I know that sometimes I need to understand why the Lord would have me do something in order to have the faith to do it, while other times I follow the commandment blindly, trusting that things will work out and I will understand them later. Even earlier in the chapter, Nephi leaves his brothers outside the city walls to go into the city himself. He even states that he "was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do," (vs 6).
The other thing that stood out to me was the faith of Zoram, after he follows Nephi outside the city walls to his brothers, and Nephi invites him to join them. The scriptures do not tell us the thought process that Zoram must have gone through in considering whether or not he should go with Nephi and his brothers. Was he afraid? Or did he simply have the faith to know that this what the right thing for him to do? It seems in the scriptures that he accepts the invitation immediately, and I think it is impressive that he does not seem to hesitate. We know, through further reading, that Zoram remains righteous and obedient with Nephi and his people whenever Laman and Lemuel and part of Ishmael's family rebel against Nephi and Lehi. I think such faith is to be admired, and I would like to aspire to be more like that.
First, Nephi reasoned within himself the words of the angel and the justification in slaying Laban when the Lord delivered Laban into his hands. Specifically he realizes that in order for his posterity to have the law of Moses, that they might be obedient to the Lord in the promised land, they need to actually have the words of the law of Moses with them to be able to teach it to the people. I just find it interesting the thought process that Nephi goes through in order for him to understand this particular commandment of the Lord, even after the angel gives him a reason as well. I know that sometimes I need to understand why the Lord would have me do something in order to have the faith to do it, while other times I follow the commandment blindly, trusting that things will work out and I will understand them later. Even earlier in the chapter, Nephi leaves his brothers outside the city walls to go into the city himself. He even states that he "was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do," (vs 6).
The other thing that stood out to me was the faith of Zoram, after he follows Nephi outside the city walls to his brothers, and Nephi invites him to join them. The scriptures do not tell us the thought process that Zoram must have gone through in considering whether or not he should go with Nephi and his brothers. Was he afraid? Or did he simply have the faith to know that this what the right thing for him to do? It seems in the scriptures that he accepts the invitation immediately, and I think it is impressive that he does not seem to hesitate. We know, through further reading, that Zoram remains righteous and obedient with Nephi and his people whenever Laman and Lemuel and part of Ishmael's family rebel against Nephi and Lehi. I think such faith is to be admired, and I would like to aspire to be more like that.
1 Nephi chapter 3
Of course the first thing in this chapter that I marked and took note of is scripture mastery: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them," (vs 7). There are so many times in life that this scripture is crucial to remember. So many times have I felt like the path set before seems impossible, and yet I need to remember that when the Lord commands us to follow a road that is not easy, He does not do so without giving us a way to accomplish the task. That doesn't always mean that he makes the path clear for us, but that sometimes he merely gives us strength to climb over the rocks and even mountains in our way.
1 Nephi 3:31 talks about how easily Laman and Lemuel complained even after being visited and reprimanded by an angel for not having faith that they could obtain the brass plates from Laban. Again it's easy to point a finger at Laman and Lemuel, who in my opinion were indeed very lost in their understanding of the gospel and power of God, but I still think a parallel can be drawn between them and ourselves. There are times when it is easy to forget the blessings and manifestations of God that He is real and present in our lives, and we sometimes succumb to the discouragement and doubt that the world and Satan would have overcome us. I have known that discouragement all too well. And yet, I can also say that I have experience the power of God in my life in ways that I know He loves me and has never forsaken me. It has not been easy to learn this, but it has definitely been worth it. I had a blessing once when I was in the middle of just such a troubled time that explained that my pain and suffering was allowed by God so that I would be able to help those whom I may come across in my life that need the same kind of understanding that I have gained through the gospel. I'll probably say it more than once, but it has been the price I've paid to know God, and I would not give it up for anything in the world.
1 Nephi 3:31 talks about how easily Laman and Lemuel complained even after being visited and reprimanded by an angel for not having faith that they could obtain the brass plates from Laban. Again it's easy to point a finger at Laman and Lemuel, who in my opinion were indeed very lost in their understanding of the gospel and power of God, but I still think a parallel can be drawn between them and ourselves. There are times when it is easy to forget the blessings and manifestations of God that He is real and present in our lives, and we sometimes succumb to the discouragement and doubt that the world and Satan would have overcome us. I have known that discouragement all too well. And yet, I can also say that I have experience the power of God in my life in ways that I know He loves me and has never forsaken me. It has not been easy to learn this, but it has definitely been worth it. I had a blessing once when I was in the middle of just such a troubled time that explained that my pain and suffering was allowed by God so that I would be able to help those whom I may come across in my life that need the same kind of understanding that I have gained through the gospel. I'll probably say it more than once, but it has been the price I've paid to know God, and I would not give it up for anything in the world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)