Nevertheless, I went forth

Even though we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants this year for come follow me, I can’t leave the Book of Mormon entirely. I recently began rereading it. I want my 2021 to be the year that “Nevertheless, I went forth...” What does that look like? I’m not quite sure. I do know I don’t want my fear, limitations, judgments, and a host of distractions to hold me back from showing love to others and becoming who my Heavenly Parents need me to be.

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A new take on a well-known story

artwork credit

Alma 53:19, “And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support...”

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I’ve never considered this verse before. Probably because it’s smack in the middle of some of the more well-known verses about the stripling warriors.

However, this time, it caught my attention. In speaking about the people of Ammon, we learn that the Nephites had never considered them a disadvantage. The Nephites had taken in the Ammonites and given them lands for their inheritance. Also, from that time forward, they protected them from the Lamanites at great personal cost. But, they had never been considered a disadvantage!

Now, when the Nephites found themselves in “dangerous circumstances,” the Ammonites were able to offer support by way of their young sons. Wow! What a lesson we can learn from this account about our attitude while serving others.

How often do we see meeting another’s needs as a burden or a chore, especially when those needs might come at the cost of our time, talents, or energy? When we minister to those we are assigned, do we see it only as a sacrifice? Do we feel disadvantaged and begrudgingly serve out of a sense of duty?

As I choose to serve with a heart of love and kindness, I build valuable, lasting relationships that can be symbiotic. Service and sacrifice cannot always be reciprocated in like manner, but if my intentions are pure, I can gain strength and hope from individuals I have served when I need it most.
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Artwork credit: They Did Not Doubt by Joseph Brickey
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A Warm Fire, Loaves, Fishes and Peace

After the resurrection and ascension of Christ into heaven, Peter and some of His fellow disciples, perhaps feeling alone, abandoned, and lost, went back to what they knew - fishing. They spent a dark night on the water and were unsuccessful in catching any fish. As the dawn approached, they noticed someone standing on the shore. The person calls them “children” and asks if they have any meat. The disciples respond that they do not, and the figure directs them to cast their nets on the right side of the ship. They do, and just as before, they catch many fish. As the disciples realize this person is Jesus Christ, Peter jumps from the boat and swims to shore, and he is soon joined by the other disciples. We read how they were greeted, on shore, by the Savior in John 21:9 - “As soon as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread.”

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When I read this verse, I feel a powerful witness born to my heart that our Savior’s love for us, regardless of where we are in life and regardless of how obediently we are following Him, is constant and perfect! He knew the disciples had been out on the water all night. He knew they were not preaching repentance and remission of sins among all nations, as he had commanded them prior to his ascension. He knew they were tired, sad, frustrated, cold, and hungry. As soon as they turned to Him, he provided them with what they needed IN THAT MOMENT - a warm fire of coals, fish ready to eat, bread, and the peace of His presence.
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Regardless of where I am in life, regardless of how obedient I am right now, my Savior’s love for me is constant! He knows what I need and how best to meet me where I am! The minute I have a desire to believe and turn to Him, he will meet me with a warm fire, fish, bread, and peace. But I must make the first move.
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Your warm fire, fish, and bread may look very different than mine. But I know the Lord loves you and wants to bless you with what you need. Turn to Him! 🧡
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