As a freshman at Brigham Young University I love the ability to attend a class two times a week during which I am taught about The Book of Mormon. For other Mormons, or more officially other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this book is a partner to the Bible. But more important than the tests, papers or grades that go along with this serious study of this sacred book is my ability to recognize its effect on my daily life.
This week I read 1 Nephi 7:12. Nephi is the first prophet to narrate The Book of Mormon and explains how his family fled Jerusalem and came to the Americas. At this point in that journey Nephi has been asked to do many difficult things by God and yet still has this remarkable attitude as he encourages others in his family to be more receptive towards the Lord’s commandments. “Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him.”
I know that I am the literal daughter of a Heavenly Father. This scripture highlights my tendency to forget that while simultaneously encouraging me to really recognize all the wonderful love my Heavenly Father has shown me in the past. It also really emphasizes the role of faith. Faith is showing hope for something we cannot yet see. The prophet Nephi is reminding me that if Heavenly Father showed love in the past He will show it again if I but have faith.
Two wonderful friends stayed with me for the entirety of the Emergency Room ordeal holding my hand and reading the scriptures to me off their phones. Another wonderful friend gave me a priesthood blessing—an experience where an obedient man with the right authority can use the power of God to bless someone here on Earth. My roommate drove me to a follow-up appointment. Another member of my congregation, called a ward, picked me up. People I didn’t even know expressed concern for my finger. I felt Heavenly Father help me to cope with the pain and learn to work effectively with nine healthy fingers.Last Monday my roommate accidentally shut my finger in our dorm room window. Sitting on the couch in our kitchen I was almost overcome with the pain and a deep sense of vulnerability. I didn’t know what to do. All of a sudden I was struck by the realization that the only one who could really do anything for me in this situation was my Heavenly Father. It was like the scripture above. I knew that Heavenly Father had answered my prayers in the past and that I needed to have faith he would do so again. I prayed and asked my Heavenly Father to help me find comfort in a really traumatic experience. After spending four hours in the Emergency Room I left with five stitches and a brace that I would have to wear for six weeks. I missed my parents who live across the country and I was overwhelmed with all the medication I had been given. And yet amidst all that there were answers to my prayers.
It’s now been exactly a week since the accident and I can testify to the truthfulness of Nephi’s words. I have exercised faith in the Lord and know that he is “able to do all things according to his will”.
Article written by Katie S
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