Sunday School 25 - Alma 13-16

This week has a lot of trial and tribulations for Alma Amulek and Zeezrom. Zeezrom was rejected by his people. Amulek was rejected by his family and friends. Finally, Alma watched as coverts die of stoning (the men), and fire (the women and children). Still we had some of the greatest discussions about Melchizedek and letting go so that God can guide and mold our lives. 

Our struggles being out the the most beautiful things. In my life I have seen the birth of my children. A harrowing and painful experience. When it was over the two of them, the mother and her child, both forget quickly the pain and my wife only knows joy and I imagine my children have the sense of relief and begin the path to know a parents love. 

I cannot promise anyone that the Gospel is going to always take away pain but it will always bring joy. We sometimes go through pain of heart, of mind and of body. We are asked to endure it well (Doctrine & Covenants 121:7-8). Says the scriptures...

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes".

Another thing taught between the Nehor people and the saints is there is a strong difference. Power over people... Or power with people... The Gospel asks us to build one another, to educate and uplift one another. To place the value of people above all things. The Gospel asks us to share the power of the priesthood, to share the love Jesus offer us, to lift one another, and comfort one another in and from one anothers trials.

We need to ask ourselves, are we yoked together or are we standing alone. The Savior asks us to take His yoke upon us but, more than that, learn of Him. Asking us to do this, ask us to forsake our pride, our old selfish and carnal side. When we are troubled we are so inclined to turn inward in our troubles and to turn outward is such a struggle. We need to endure it well.

Another question asked is why do we constrain our agency? Why do we not use the priesthood to take away pain or change our circumstances. When pain is taken away there is no growth. Let me give an example. If God paid for your school, gave you your spouse, gave you an easy job , bought your house etc, the value of the struggle, the accomplishment, the success, would be gone. We struggle because God wants us to have a sense of success. When we know pain, darkness, hatred and cold, how much more appreciation we gain for health, light, love and warmth. 

Do not let tragedy define you? Faith, joy, hope, charity are born from these things if we allow it. When we are praying for redemption or saving there are times, like I said last week, the Savior can strengthen and calm us in the storm or calm the storm and show us the miracle.

Heavenly Father is our biggest cheerleader and coach. His son is the towel holder that want you to succeed in the game of life, having shown us how it was done. He asks to accept the towel that will wipe our blood sweat, tears, and our dirty sins. Sometimes he wipes those things from us because we are struggling to do it ourselves. The Holy Ghost is constantly whispering cheers, warnings, advice and comfort. 

Our life will be a complete reward, and when you struggle, remember this life is the second Act in a three Act play. Patience. 

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