Scripture Thought 3/18/2009
1 Nephi 3:7
This is well known scripture. We talk about it, sing about it, and strive to live the same way. However, did Nephi really understand what going and doing would require of him? Did he know how hard it would be at times? Did he realize that it would or could separate him from his family, friends, and loved ones? Did he understand that there would still be trials even though he was following God? Do any of us?
Nephi spoke with faith. He trusted that no matter what came before him, the Lord would be there to support, strengthen, and up lift him. Now, don't read this the wrong way. This did not mean that he would not have his faith tested at times. These tests and trials of faith are for his and our good. Just like anything else, once we build it up, we need to increase the weight to build it up more.
The trial of seeing how he would respond to the request of going back to Jerusalem, was just one of many tests and trials for him to prove to himself that he had it in him to follow God. He would face many more in the next few days to come.
We all need to be like Nephi. Remember the promise and believe it. The Lord will be there. We, like Nephi, just need to take it one step at at time. Each step keeps moving us forward. If we are looking backwards, murmuring, or doubting, we are not moving forward. Generally we are not moving at all and sometimes we are moving backwards.
All to often I hear, I can't. That is probably true. I can't do everything by myself. Nephi was not suggesting this. He said, I will go, and WE, the Lord and Nephi will accomplish the goal. Nephi knew that with the Lord, we can. In order for that to happen, we must make HIM a part of our lives.
We were not sent to earth to waste away in idleness or flounder in confusion. He wanted us to accomplish, obtain, reach, and achieve eternal life. Though our experiences are different, they are designed for us individually to help us achieve the same goal. He knows us individually. Do we know him?
This is well known scripture. We talk about it, sing about it, and strive to live the same way. However, did Nephi really understand what going and doing would require of him? Did he know how hard it would be at times? Did he realize that it would or could separate him from his family, friends, and loved ones? Did he understand that there would still be trials even though he was following God? Do any of us?
Nephi spoke with faith. He trusted that no matter what came before him, the Lord would be there to support, strengthen, and up lift him. Now, don't read this the wrong way. This did not mean that he would not have his faith tested at times. These tests and trials of faith are for his and our good. Just like anything else, once we build it up, we need to increase the weight to build it up more.
The trial of seeing how he would respond to the request of going back to Jerusalem, was just one of many tests and trials for him to prove to himself that he had it in him to follow God. He would face many more in the next few days to come.
We all need to be like Nephi. Remember the promise and believe it. The Lord will be there. We, like Nephi, just need to take it one step at at time. Each step keeps moving us forward. If we are looking backwards, murmuring, or doubting, we are not moving forward. Generally we are not moving at all and sometimes we are moving backwards.
All to often I hear, I can't. That is probably true. I can't do everything by myself. Nephi was not suggesting this. He said, I will go, and WE, the Lord and Nephi will accomplish the goal. Nephi knew that with the Lord, we can. In order for that to happen, we must make HIM a part of our lives.
We were not sent to earth to waste away in idleness or flounder in confusion. He wanted us to accomplish, obtain, reach, and achieve eternal life. Though our experiences are different, they are designed for us individually to help us achieve the same goal. He knows us individually. Do we know him?
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