Follow the Lord | 1 Nephi 16:16-17

I love how the journey of Lehi and his family in the wilderness parallels this life's journey. After separating themselves from Jerusalem, I can visually see them busily preparing and gathering goods for the long journey ahead. I can feel the feelings of uncertainty of the unknown dangers that lay ahead—only knowing that God had prepared a land, a choice land above all others. Now, I can see Lehi's experience overlaying my own life—the separation from the world; the gathering of God-given resources such as scriptures, prayer, priesthood power; the anxiety for the difficult journey ahead and the pain and suffering that comes with it; and the hope and assurance that God has prepared a special land, choice above all others prepared for the weary and faithful.

Lehi and his family made it through the challenges of the wilderness because they were lead by God through the Liahona to the more fertile parts of the land. This may not seem very significant when compared to the wildernesses of this land, but compared to the Middle East where the land is mostly barren the task is very difficult. It was a matter of life and death, travelers had to be highly knowledgeable of oases and areas that could be safely traversed. It was only through the grace and mercy of God that they were able to make it to the promised land—one day at a time, relying wholly on the small tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father.

It is the same today. If I follow the Lord, He will lead me in the more fertile parts of this life. The world is becoming more and more barren as time goes on, so it is becoming harder and harder to find the fertile parts. The activities and values of the world are like subtraction stew—they leave one empty and hungry for more, never being satisfied. I must be faithful in following the Lord by preparing myself and my family every day or I will not make it through the wilderness of life.

Walking in the fertile parts of the wilderness does not mean life will be easy. This life would not be a test without trials. The difference between barren and fertile soil is the amount of life-giving water, or the living waters, of Christ. Following the Lord leads me to the Savior and the Atonement where I can be imbued with power and strength to overcome the afflictions and pains of a barren and godless world.

The journey will be long and I will be weary along the way so I  must, like Lehi, take adequate rest and family time while journeying in the wilderness of life.

And after we had traveled for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents for the space of a time, that we might again rest ourselves and obtain food for our families.

This precious family time whether it be eating together, family scriptures, family prayer, family home evening, family vacation or just spending time together will bring rest and nourishment to the weary souls of any family.

The Lord's GPS | 1 Nephi 16:10, 29

Lehi received the world's first GPS unit. However, this GPS worked off of faith instead of batteries and instead of the signal bouncing off of satellites it bounced off of heaven itself.

The Liahona gave Lehi and his family physical and spiritual directions. They had the word of God through the scriptures but the Liahona gave them information about the ways of the Lord and His plan for them that was specific to their immediate needs. In my day, I have access to that same help and direction through the words of modern-day prophets and Church authorities. I am grateful for general conference and the Church magazines because the Lord is able to give me specific information about what I can do in my particular circumstances to grow. These small tender mercies are great blessings as I am given directions back to my Heavenly Father.

Exhort Thy Brethren | 1 Nephi 16:4-5

Nephi never gave up trying to teach his brothers and helping them follow the paths of God even when they kept turning to sin. He's a great example of perseverance. He saw a vision of his people and their destruction and he could probably guess the end results of his brothers' decisions yet he never gave up on them.

Heavenly Father never gave up on Laman's and Lemuel's descendants as can be seen later on when He sent Ammon and his brothers and the brothers Nephi and Lehi back to reclaim the Lamanites. I am grateful for my father because he has shown this same perseverance with me and my brothers. He never gives up on us.

Inquire of the Lord | 1 Nephi 15:8, 11

Have ye inquired of the Lord? This is the universal question I should be asking myself when in any situation where I feel confusion or concern—whether it be while reading the scriptures, listening to conference, or any life decision. Nephi tells how to receive answers to those questions: Soften heart Ask in faith Believe that an answer will be received Keep the commandments

Understanding the Scriptures | 1 Nephi 15:2-3

Before a study skill can become effective, Nephi brings up one more point--the first rule to understanding the scriptures. Scriptures that are difficult to understand can only be unlocked by inquiring of the Lord. This kind of knowledge is a gift from God and must be asked for. However, asking is only the first step, work is required to fully unlock these treasures of great knowledge that the Lord has in store. Inquiring of the Lord must be an active part of each study skill used throughout the learning process.

I believe that Heavenly Father in His eternal wisdom made scriptures often times difficult to understand or with more advance levels of understanding on purpose so that men would have to rely on Him through His Spirit in order to understand them. This brings confidence, trust and comfort knowing that I am not alone and that I do not have to rely solely on my limited, fallible knowledge. If I ask Him with a sincere desire, He will unfold the scriptures before my eyes and I need not remain in darkness.

Preparation

Looking back on this experience, I marvel at how I was being prepared to receive more light and knowledge as in just a few chapters I would be starting into Isaiah. It was no accident that Nephi deferred to John sending me to Revelation to finish up his vision. Where I learned new skills and was able to practice them. Where I stumbled into that section in the institute manual that has changed my perception of the scriptures.

One of the interesting things about this experience was how I learned by not following a skill. When I started Revelation, I decided since it was on a tangent that I would not write anything down. Coming back to Revelation in preparation for these last several blog posts, I noticed that I had lost most of the knowledge I had gained from reading it. I believe it was no accident that this happened because two things became very clear from this:

1. As mentioned in the Write It Down blog post, I learned to write it or lose it.
2. It was impressed upon my mind that this experience was not about the destination but about the journey. It was not about what I learned specifically from John's revelation but what I learned along the way and the skills learned that would help me in the future. I cannot help but see how this parallels this life's journey. It is not just about the the end results of this life or gaining eternal life but it is about the lessons, skills, attributes gained and who I become that matters most. Also, life's choices do not always turn out the way they were envisioned because it may not be about the end results of the choice but rather what is learned that is more significant and lasting.

In a few chapters, the time will come to really start practicing the skills learned as Nephi and Jacob start to quote Isaiah. These skills may need to be refined, expanded and added upon along the way. I am grateful for this experience and the skills that I have learned. I know the Lord is preparing the way for me, if I but follow Him.