"And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them."
An angel of the Lord had commanded Alma to go back to Ammonihah and preach to the people repentance or they would be destroyed. Amulek was prepared by an angel to receive Alma, and later to preach with him. What struck me is they went about accomplishing the commandment of the Lord, even if that meant they were bound with bands and cast into prison . You would think that being cast into prison would stop the work, but it had another effect. It allowed the Lord to show his power in them.
It made me ponder on the bands of captivity we have been under to fight this virus. Church has stopped, missionaries have returned home, and temples were closed, until they slowly reopen. Yet, the sermons that have been taught on the importance of revelation to prepare for this time. The church being able to bring relief to so many with the food it has stored, and funds it has saved for such a time as this. These efforts will not be forgotten by the world. This has all been for a wise purpose in the Lord's plan. If we are involved in this work by being good global citizens.
What effect does our obeying the prophet, 12th Article of Faith, and the laws of the land have on us, even if we give up our liberties and freedoms? It means we have faith enough that the Lord would show forth his power, even if we are called to suffer. When we think we are wiser and smarter and have a better plan we void the blessings the Lord has in store for us. It makes me remember the powerful quote by President Nelson.
"Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."
(President Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", April 2018 General Conference)
Nothing makes the spirit flee quicker than to be disobedient.
Day 1866
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