Mormon 1 – Then and Now

The Nephites are in a terrible state of wickedness – so much so that the disciples of Jesus who had been given the opportunity to tarry until the second coming of Jesus Christ were taken away and there were no more miracles in all of the land (v13). 

How blessed we are that in spite of the wickedness surrounding us, the Lord has promised that the gospel of Jesus Christ will remain on the earth until He returns.  There will be awful trials and tribulations; of this we can be sure.  We are currently going through trials.  There isn’t a home in my own small world that isn’t suffering trials of some kind – and these are all wonderful and active people serving the Lord continuously.  So what is the difference between then and now?

We have apostles and prophets showing us the way – teaching us the things we must do to be worthy of the Lord’s guidance through these rough and turbulent waters.  It was just this morning as I was listening to my daughter lament about the terrible injustice of our health system and the burdensome premiums that have been hiked again – even with the legal mandate that all people will be insured and have access to medical care.  There are options, and if a person had a crystal ball to know what medical issues their family will be dealing with in the future, it would be a walk in the park.  But we don’t have that crystal ball.  However, I told her the Lord knows what their future holds and she needs to do her homework on what she knows, put the figures on a piece of paper and weigh it out for herself.  When she thinks she’s found the right solution, take it to the Lord and get His approval.  When His approval comes, trust the outcome.  When the Lord puts His approval on something, you can rest assured that it is the best option and NEVER second-guess your decision.  (D&C 6:23)  This is the most valuable tool we have to see us through these trying times.

In v14, Mormon tells us that “. . . there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.”  Since we have been promised we will never be without these gifts, it is my firm conviction we must do everything in our power to not lose them. 

It is my firm testimony that the Lord has a Plan and we are part of that Plan.  We can trust that He wants to bless us.  We must live worthy so that He can do so.