“Words of Mormon 1.7: and I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.”
Growing up I never understood the verbiage in these verses trying to get me to do the will of the Lord. As I got to know better and practicing with my parents, (doing the dishes when they asked, helping them out with what they wanted, etc.) I realized it’s not just doing what He wants, but He wants us to be a part of His will because that is the way to eternal happiness. I once had a mission leader who developed his mission plan around the investigators of the church helping the members and the missionaries. That was by far the best mission plan I had on my mission. I think for the most part, people in the world have a bigger desire to serve than to be served. Going back to the verse, God is doing the same by asking us in our hearts if we can help him out with his other children and come to Him. I recognize I have done things that push me away from Him, but I also have recognized the feelings of forgiveness and love when I repent and try to help him out with His plan.
Sword of Laban: In Words of Mormon, it tells that King Benjamin had fought with the sword of Laban. The sword of Laban to me is a symbol of prayers answered. From the beginning of when it is introduced into the Book of Mormon it was part of Nephi’s answer to his prayer. Then to King Benjamin when he fought for the freedom of his people. Then to Joseph Smith uncovering the plates along with the sword. The history that the sword has seen includes many miracles. Those stories to me are a testimony that God does answer their prayers and has helped me understand that mine will be answered as well.
Throughout all of these stories, they were righteous people with great faith in every one. These stories can and will follow us when we practice our faith and help it to grow. As we follow the commandments it is not only being obedient but it will be nourishment to our faith which will grow in power. That same power is of God and is the reason we feel the way we do when we are close to Him.
Riverdale 7th Ward 