Alma 17:1 … they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
As we strive this week to wax strong in the knowledge of truth let’s remember that we have been called (invited) to participate in the gathering of Israel on both sides of the veil. This is a huge responsibility that should not be ignored or dismissed. This call came from the Lord himself through the prophet Russell M. Nelson. Feelings of inadequacy are normal, but not true, everyone has a part to play and everyone is needed. Think of a football team, how good would the team be if everyone was a quarterback? I can answer that for you…not very good. The truth is they would be terrible. Every single player on the team is important and necessary for the team to have success. We are on the Lord’s team and we are all vital to the work. For us to work together as a team—to gather Israel we must have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and be prepared to act on the promptings we receive. “Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.” (Alma 18;35) This mean we must give ourselves to “much prayer, and fasting.” (Alma 17:3) We will need to have “courage,” (Alma 17:12) “trusting in the Lord,” (Alma 17:13) even if things are not easy. We will need to be “patient and long-suffering,” and be “good examples.” (Alma 17:11) Ready to testify with “boldness” the “plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world.” (Alma 18:24,39) “Concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.” (Alma 21:9)
As we go and do the things that the Lord has asked us to do, the Lord will provide a way for us to accomplish these things. (Per phrased from Nephi) We will be “led by the spirit” (Alma 22:1) to those who are prepared to hear the gospel. We will have success in “bringing many to the knowledge of the truth.” (Alma 17:4) We will be led to those who have a “desire” to “believe”, “If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.” (Alma 22:16) Through fasting and prayer, those with contention in their hearts will be “pacified” (Alma 22:25) so that the good news can be taught and joy received through following the Lord’s commandments that keep us centered and away from the adversaries chains. “He did rejoice over them, and he did teach them many things.” (Alma 21:31) “They were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.” (Alma 21:23) “Heart was swollen within him with joy.” (Alma 17:29)
Alma 17:11 And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.
Written by Sherri Jorgensen
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