I am grateful for this opportunity to share some thoughts regarding the Book of Mormon. It's not too late to join our stake's challenge! Start reading now until Christmas and see what blessings come!
By Sunday if you are following the bookmark, you should be at page 196, chapters 25 and 26 of Mosiah.
I love the Book of Mosiah. It contains the account of the faithful prophet Abinadi.
Can you imagine what he felt when brought before evil king Noah under threat of death? This picture depicts Abinadi as an older man yet strong and determined in the face of opposition. We are privy to some insight in his state of mind and spiritual strength despite such circumstances when we read Mosiah 12. When the priests were ordered to kill Abinadi he said, "Touch me not...for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver...I must fulfil the commandments wherewith God has commanded me." Essentially, Abinadi still had work to do and he was committed to doing it irrespective of his current state. I've read the account of Abinadi many times. This most recent reading really drove home the principle of persevering always and maintaining faith regardless. He had such great faith; He was so steadfast and true. As the world unravels around us, as the inequity and ufairness of mortality weighs heavily on us, we can find strength in Abinadi and courage to continue our personal and ongoing journey of conversion...and we can help others likewise become converted to the gospel. Abinadi declared powerfully that he believed completely in the Savior and trusted in what would come. He spoke with power and the authority of God in declaring his belief. And though almost all those that heard his testimony that day rejected him, one man listened and was touched...Alma. Alma repented and changed his life and brought the redemptive joy of the gospel to many.
Despite the challenges of life and irrespective of opposition, we can find joy and peace through Jesus Christ. When we share our experiences and bear testimony regarding gospel truths, we can help others also find that joy. We have a work to do. We are commanded to do it regardless of the hurdles that are in our way. If we doubt or lack the faith, let's not give up...but rather let's dig in, study, ponder and pray and see what transpires.
I know that God lives and Jesus is the Christ. I know that we have much to do and we can do it! Keep trying, keep working, keep believing!
-The Stake Presidency
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