3 Nephi 1 - Daily Seven

Never in my life (and the prophets and apostles tell us in history), has there been such an obvious distance between good and evil.  In 3 Nephi 1: 30, it says “And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the rising generation.”  Their children!  They were decreasing in their faith because of the poor choices of their children?  This is so contrary to what I’m experiencing.  As my children are making poor choices, it makes me want to dig my heels in even deeper.  So I don’t know that I really understand this behavior in the Lamanites, who are the people we’re talking about in this particular chapter.

The Gadianton Robbers were still quite prevalent in the land but were hiding in the hills and coming down to create havoc.  Is this not similar to what the gangs are doing?  Their numbers were growing, as are the gangs.  Why?  What do they have to offer?  What makes so many of our youth vulnerable to their evil ways?

It amazes me that the Lamanites, in just a few short years,  had slippery testimonies after having witnessed a miracle like the sky staying light for a day, a night and a day.  Had this not been a direct fulfillment of prophecy, maybe they could argue it away.  But the prophets told them this was going to happen. How can faith be so unstable?  

Our prophets and leaders today have told us repeatedly how to avoid this lack of faith, i.e. personal and family scripture and prayers, FHE, dinners as a family, regular temple attendance and service to others.  I’m putting a whole lot of faith in this counsel.  We will have trials and troubles.  That is why we’re on this earth.

Alma 36:27 says "And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me."  I believe we can expect this same kind of support from our Heavenly Father as we encounter life’s buffetings provided we heed the counsel of the prophets.  Our faith and actions to strengthen that faith will protect us.

That makes me think of this cute young woman, age 15, Cassidy Stay, whose entire family was executed in front of her this week.  Not only does she have the appearance of being supported under her trials, but also she seems to be strengthened because of them.  I would love to know what her home life was like, though I think I can guess.  She is solid in her belief that her family will be together again.  She is using this as an opportunity to share her faith with the world, and the eyes of the world are definitely upon her.  There is little doubt in my mind that her family prayed together, studied the scriptures together and had Family Home Evening.  She has been taught Gospel Principles and she is definitely drawing strength from the teachings of the Gospel.

Isaiah 41:10 says: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  We will feel of that same support as we face our trials and troubles.  Of this I have no doubt.  Cassidy says there were angels surrounding her preventing her from even making a noise as she pretended to have been fatally wounded while the murderer of her family finished up in their home and then left with the intent to murder others in her family.  She was given the strength to call 911 and not only report her own situation, but tell them the murderer was on his way to destroy her grandparents and other family members.  What an amazing feat!  Again, there is little doubt in my mind that she was being supported by angels – perhaps even her recently executed parents and siblings. 

We must be strong in our daily efforts to follow the counsel of our prophets – The Daily Seven:  Personal and private prayer and scriptures, FHE, family meals, and temple attendance.  In so doing, it is my testimony we will provide a shield of protection not only for ourselves, but also for our families.