Preparation and Prayer

Ok so I just started the book of Alma in the Book of Mormon, which is super exciting for me because it means I am getting into the missionary chapters of the Book of Mormon. This morning I was studying in Alma chapter two and I found some really cool applications.

to give you some background, the Nephites (ancient peoples who populated the Americas and followed the teachings of Christ) are living in peace and striving to do good in their lives. Then Amlici starts going around causing contention and all sorts of problems. He creates an army and conspires to take over leadership.

now the Nephites are smart and they see what is about to go down so in verses 12-13 it reads

¨12 Therefore the people of the Nephites were aware of the intent of the Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare to meet them; yea, they did arm themselves with swords, and with cimeters, and with bows, and with arrows, and with stones, and with slings, and with all manner of aweapons of war, of every kind.

13 And thus they were prepared to meet the Amlicites (people of Amlici) at the time of their coming. And there were appointed acaptains, and higher captains, and chief captains, according to their numbers.¨

so the important thing that I noted today (but invite you to find more) was their preparation, and like them we need to prepare for those things that we know will come in life, trials, temptations and so forth. We prepare by reading our scriptures, going to church, praying etc.

then in verse 17 the Amlicites come against the Nephites, but because they are prepared ¨the Lord did strengthen the hand of the Nephites, that they slew the Amlicites with great slaughter, that they began to flee before them.¨ Likewise as we are prepared the Lord will strengthen us. Our enemies, whatever they may be, will run away from us.... after all, we are on Gods team.

continuing in the chapter there are several more battles, and the Amlicites keep losing, you would think they would get the hint. As I thought about why God put all these battles in here, with the same people, so many times. Often our trials or temptations are the same. Once we struggle with one thing, we tend to continue struggling in that specific area. And many times that difficulty or weakness brings friends. The Amlicites joined with the Lamanites (more bad guys in this case) to try and defeat the Nephites again.

¨28 Nevertheless, the Nephites being astrengthened by the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them.¨

So I challenge each of you to prepare yourselves, and to
pray for Gods help in whatever it is you are fighting against right now. He will deliver you and strengthen you. And the trials may come again, but as we exercise our faith and cry unto the Lord we will ultimately win the prize.

¨ 30 And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised with much afaith, cried, saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people.

31 Now when Alma had said these words he contended again with Amlici; and he was strengthened, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the sword.

I love you all, now go slay Amlici!

smile - Hermana Milmont