Led by the Spirit – 1 Nephi 4:6
6 And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.
I absolutely love the faith of Nephi, and herein lies one of the greatest keys to unlock the power of God in our lives. We most likely will not know beforehand the things that we should do, and yet we must still follow the spirit. This is the faith of all the ancient and great ones and must be our faith. As hard as it is, we do not need to know all the reasons why or how and oftentimes we must not know them, for the growth we need to become like Christ often comes from relying solely upon the Lord’s will and timing. I am not saying that we must never know the reasons why or how but consider this; when we do know the why or the how then what are we really relying on or putting our faith and trust in? This can and oftentimes diverts our reliance and trust away from the Lord and puts our reliance and trust on the why or the how. If not careful this can lead to leaning on our own wisdom or trusting in the arm of flesh. When we don’t know the why or how we put our faith and trust solely in the Lord and in His will and timing and then our growth happens more rapidly.
It is clear where Nephi puts his faith and trust, as seen in this next scripture:
1 Nephi 3:7
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
This famous scripture is powerful and really shows that above all things, Nephi knows that God will prepare a way and empower us to accomplish His designs. Another great example is President Boyd K. Packer who shared this amazing insight:
“Shortly after I was called as a General Authority, I went to Elder Harold B. Lee for counsel. He listened very carefully to my problem and suggested that I see President David O. McKay. President McKay counseled me as to the direction I should go. I was very willing to be obedient but saw no way possible for me to do as he counseled me to do. I returned to Elder Lee and told him that I saw no way to move in the direction I was counseled to go. He said, ‘The trouble with you is you want to see the end from the beginning.’ I replied that I would like to see at least a step or two ahead. Then came the lesson of a lifetime: ‘You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you.’
“Then he quoted these 18 words from the Book of Mormon:
‘Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.’ Ether 12:6”
Here we see, that our faith must be tried and then God’s power is unleashed in our lives. This is great faith knowing the the Lord will prepare a way and then stepping into the darkness (trial of faith), at which time light or God’s power is provided (our witness) and we become more like Christ. Now, in these next verses observe the great blessings that Nephi enjoyed through having this type of faith.
2 Nephi 4:19–25
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.
22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me.
23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time.
24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.
25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.
In closing, let us follow Nephi’s example of faith and always be led by the spirit, regardless if we do or do not know the why or the how. Let us rely solely on and put all of our faith and trust in the Lord and willingly take a few steps in the darkness, having perfect confidence that the Lord will provide according to His will and timing. Like Nephi, as we do this we will be blessed of the Lord and become more and more like Him.
Craig
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