“Wherefore, let us be faithful to him” (1 Nephi 7:12).
After leaving Jerusalem and traveling 180 miles or so into the wilderness, the Lord commanded Lehi in the Book of Mormon that his sons should return to Jerusalem in order to get the plates of brass, which are a record of the Jews and a genealogy of Lehi’s ancestors (see 1 Nephi 3:3). Nephi’s response to this commandment of the Lord in the Book of Mormon is awe-inspiring. He says to his father, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” (1 Nephi 3:7).
The brass plates
Nephi’s faith and obedience are incredible. He knew he faced a long, miserable journey through the wilderness to go back to the very place the Lord had just commanded them to leave; and he didn’t know how to get the plates once he and his brothers arrived in Jerusalem. Albeit, Nephi did not doubt the commandments of the Lord; he trusted in the Lord completely. Nephi knew that if the Lord commanded it, He would also provide a way for it to be done if he just put faith in Him. This marvelous faith is mirrored in other Book of Mormon prophets—such as Ammon who journeyed to enemy land to teach the gospel, not knowing beforehand what he would do, but only that he should go; or Moroni who spent years abridging the records of his people for purposes known by the Lord.
This faith is also present in the prophets of the Bible, as well as in the Book of Mormon—such as Daniel’s determination to not worship false idols because of the commandments he had been taught from his youth: to worship only one God, the God of Israel, and then being delivered from a den of lions because of his faithfulness in keeping the commandments of God. When I act faithfully, like these prophets in the Book of Mormon and the Bible have, keeping the commandments becomes much easier for me to do. I have seen it become easier for my friends to do as well. One experience with a particular friend comes to my mind. Originally this friend had problems with frequent swearing and taking the Lord’s name in vain. However, as his faith grew, and his determination to keep the commandments of the Lord also grew, he was able to overcome that habit completely. It took hard effort and constant checking of himself once he had decided that he no longer wanted to take the Lord’s name in vain. Through his efforts and the results that came, my friend learned to trust that the Lord would provide a way for him to be obedient in keeping His commandments if he was willing to do his part. I am so grateful for the example of faith and obedience I receive from these prophets. They encourage me to keep cultivating my faith and becoming more obedient. And I love seeing the happiness that comes into my life as I am faithful and obedient, for the Lord truly is able to do all things.
Article written by Karina H
Additional Resources;
Learn more about the importance of faith from a Mormon apostle
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