Here Was A Man

The Lord Always Finds A Way

    In the first few chapters of the Book Of Mormon, we learn alot of the story of Nephi and his family. Commanded of God, they left their home in Jerusalem and journey into the wilderness. Here they are subject to much trial and tribulation. Upon their journeyings, Nephi's father Lehi has a dream in which The Lord commands him that he should send Nephi and his brothers back to Jerusalem to obtain a record of the Jews and a geneology of his forefathers. Also known as the brass plates. However, these plates happen to be in the posession of a very wicked man named Laban. Despite his brothers' murmuring and objection, Nephi makes a stand, and tells his father:
                      "I will go and do the things which The Lord hath commanded, for I know that The Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."   1 Nephi 3:7
    Nephi and his brothers sooon depart for Jerusalem. Upon arrival, the oldest of the brothers, Laman goes to retrieve the plates from Laban. Instead of a warm welcome, he is cast out of Laban's house. The Brothers then come up with Plan B. This time, they all go to Labans house but this time with all their gold and silver and precious things they had left behind in their home to try and persuade Laban to get the plates. But, instead of paying him, Laban takes their gold and kicks them out once again, sending his guards to kill them. Talk about a sour deal !
    Now the part of this story that i wanted to touch on is this one: After failing to recieve the plates twice now, Nephi returns once again to the city at night headed for the house of Laban.
                          " And i was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."
                                                                    1 Nephi 4:6
    As Nephi is heding toward Laban's home he finds a man passed out drunk. To his suprise, it is Laban himself. He is then constrained by the spirit to take his sword and smite off his head. Nephi refuses, and is then told once again by the spirit to slay him, for The Lord has delivered him into his hands. So Nephi does so according to The Lord's will. It is this moment in history where we get a much recognized scripture:

                               "Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief."
                                                                     1 Nephi 4:13
   Nephi then goes to the house of Laban, and retrieves the brass plates. After regrouping with his brothers, they return to their family in the wilderness. Mission accomplished.
   No matter what commandment The Lord gives us, there is always a way that He has prepared for us to accomplish what he commands. No matter how hard the task, there is always a way. As long as we follow him and listen closely to his Holy Spirit to guide us, we will succeed !

Hearing Vs. Listening. Yes Theres A Difference !

      As missionaries we are taught of the importance of listening during lessons and discussions. Not just following what the people we are teaching are saying but really listening. "Listening is key" I heard that so many times in the MTC and I still do now out in the field. Whenever I would hear that I thought to myself: "Wow, ya think ?" Its obvious thats it is important to listen ! But sometimes we don't always allow ourselves to hear what we need to hear. I certainly am guilty of this.

      My Mom used to tell me that I had selective hearing. Some things I would totally understand and it would be crystal clear but then others would go right through my head, mainly because I would let them. Are we all guilty of this sometimes?

     

        I learned fast of the importance of listening. Not just hearing things but really listening and understanding. The more I listen during lessons and discussions, the more I feel the spirit, the more I understand, and the more I know what to say.
      I think it is said very well by one of the world's greatest musicians:

                                                "Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens."
                                                             -Jimi Hendrix

      I stand by this statement 100%. I hope we can all strive to listen rather than just hear. The Holy Ghost speaks to us by a still small voice. All of us, everyday, are faced with choices and challenges. Our Heavenly Father is always trying to help us and show us things but how much will we really hear if we are just hearing and not listening ?

       I testify that there is wisdom in listening. As we listen and obey the promptings of the Holy Ghost we will be blessed and be able to recognize more fully when our Heavenly Father is trying to speak to us. I pray we can all listen and recognize when he does.