In our Come Follow Me study this year, we have the opportunity to dive into the teachings of the Book of Mormon. I’d like to take a moment to share the insights and knowledge I’ve gained during the past month of exploring this sacred text.

1. We can accomplish the impossible with help from God

Nephi is commanded to build a boat and that’s something he has never done before and he had no idea where to start.

In 1 Nephi 17 Nephi teaches us the importance of seeking spiritual guidence as he goes to pray and inquire of God on how to build a ship.

Vs 7: …And it came to pass that I arose and went up into the mountain, and cried unto the Lord.

Vs 8: And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters.

Vs 9: And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?

Vs 10: And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools.

There will be times in our lives, we may encounter tasks that push us out of our comfort zones. The only way to successfully navigate these situations is by turning to the Lord in prayer and seeking His guidance.

2. God calms the storms in our lives

1st Nephi 18:9

And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much brudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.

Nephi built a ship that sailed with the wind as guided by the Lord. But when his brothers disobeyed, the Lord stopped helping, and the ship went off course.

As their journey progressed, things became increasingly challenging, reaching a point where they recognized their weakness to handle it on their own. They acknowledged their wrongdoings and repented of them. Nephi prayed, seeking help from the Lord and He blessed them.

Vs 21 …And it came to pass that I aprayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.

Vs 22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.

There will be moments in our lives when things become challenging. While we might not be stranded on a boat at sea, whatever difficulties we encounter, when we feel powerless, the Lord will be there, ready to rescue us in any way He can.

3. God helps us learn and grow

Jacob, Nephi’s younger brother, endured significant affliction. Not only was he born in the wilderness, but he was also tormented by his brothers. In 2nd Nephi 2:2, Lehi is addressing Jacob and says:

Nevertheless, Jacob, my firstborn in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.

Because Jacob went through challenging times, he not only deepened his connection with God but also experienced personal growth.

Remember, during tough times, God isn’t putting you through pain; He is helping you to learn and grow.