It’s no secret that the world is becoming more and more
wicked. We are seeing prophecies from
the Bible come to fruition, and for some this is a scary time! But the wonderful thing is, “if ye are
prepared ye shall not fear”! (D&C 38:30) In my Book of Mormon class this
week, we read Alma 43-63. It’s a lot to
read, but I encourage you all to read and study it. There is a lot of contention and war
happening in these chapters - many of the
people who were once righteous fell away and became more wicked than their
enemies. They wanted to destroy the
church and the people who stood for liberty and freedom.
One of the things that was spoken of over and over again was
the preparations that the people made.
The Nephites fortified their cities, preparing to defend their homes,
families, and freedoms. But they didn't just rely on their military leader to help them prepare for war - they relied on their prophet to guide them in the ways the Lord would have them go (Alma 43:23-24). They prepared spiritually to withstand the forces of the adversary.
We can do the same today. I found the chart below in the Book of Mormon Student Manual, chapter 33. As I am a visual person, it helps me see what was done before, and how we can use it to fortify our families. I don't know if I'll ever be asked to dig out trenches to create earthen defenses for my city. But I do know that as a parent, I am being asked to strengthen my testimony and do all I can to teach my children to have their own testimony of Jesus Christ. In his talk "Yes, We Can and Will Win!" by
Ulisses Soares, he said something that I find incredibly comforting.
He said, "this is a war that we can and will win. The Lord trusts
in our capacity and determination to do so." I know that our
Heavenly Father has given us everything we need to fortify ourselves. I
know that if we follow His teachings, not the teachings of the world, then we
will be prepared to face the opposition that is coming.
I hope and pray that we are all able to fortify our families, just as the Nephites fortified theirs.
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HOW THE
NEPHITES WERE FORTIFIED
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HOW WE CAN
FORTIFY
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The weaker fortifications were strengthened (see Alma 48:9).
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We must strengthen the weak spots in our lives.
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The Nephites prepared for the enemy in a manner never before
known (see Alma 49:8).
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We must prepare as never before to stand against the wiles of
the devil.
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The Nephites made their weaker cities into strongholds (see Alma 49:14).
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If we come unto Christ, He can make weak things become strong
to us (see Ether 12:27).
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The Nephites were given power over their enemies (see Alma 49:23).
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If we are faithful and trust the Lord, He will give us power
over our enemies.
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After some Nephite victories, they did not stop in their
preparations (Alma 50:1).
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When we have successfully overcome a temptation or trial, we
must not let our guard down, but continue to endure and watch and pray always
to not be overcome (see Alma 13:28).
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The Nephites built security towers so they could see the enemy
afar off (see Alma 50:4).
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As we rely on prophets who are modern watchmen on the tower
and see afar off, we will be better prepared for the future.
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As I have been reading the Book of Mormon, I have been utilizing the student manual to study more effectively. I hope that if you choose to read the chapters that I'm talking about, you'll also look to the manual to help you learn and grow.
