Sunday School 38 - 3 Nephi 8-12


Brothers and sisters,

It is in the darkest time of our lives when our thanks are given the most for the little tender mercies that shine through. A prime example is the story of Connie and her sister who were thrown in a consecration camp for hiding Jews in the 1940's. These two sisters were in the worst of conditions because they cared for others, but they found gratitude in their trials. 

The same can be said about the In Nephites. When the dark time came for the people of Nephi, people had moved, the government had changed, and pride reigned supreme in the hearts of people who should have been prepared for the coming of the Savior. 

The question then is, does Jesus need to be here to strengthen your testimony? Will you know more about his coming than you know now? Does Jesus need to reveal himself for your testimony or is he already in your life in ways that you are trying to recognize?

The absence of light, heat, life, and purity is a cold, thick empty darkness. When we, like the Nephites, are in our darkness, do we try to fill our empty vessel with TikTak and YouTube videos, empty games, and pointless entertainment or are we on our knees calling in our pit for redemption, fasting and raising our voices and asking for comfort that if we must wait, will the Spirit be our companion?

God had warned and warned till he could do it no more, and the death of the Savior had to happen, and he knew the Earth would mourn her maker. If anything we have to prepare ourselves for his coming as did the people of ancient times. Time may repeat, but more than that, we must prepare to meet Him, the Savior of the world (Alma 34:32). 

Do you know what broken means when we say a broken heart? An animal are still childish and wild, but their soul has agency. Bridals are not meant to tie up an animal but to teach restraint. We are asked to be obedient, to have faith, to learn hope and charity. Do you know why the Nephites survived the hard moment? They had learned these skills and exercised them, especially in their dark moments.

The other thing that needs to be brought up is the still small voice, the Holy Ghost. When we have invited the Spirit into our lives when we are going through hard times, do you not hear him, like hear him so close it's a whisper? There is a reason why he was not in the storms or tempests. In 1 Kings 19:11-13, Elijah learned that the Spirit is always with him, so close it is just a whisper. When the Lord was announced to the Nephites, it was a whisper, not only that, but it was the Father's whisper. Always know that Heavenly Father, the Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost root for your success in the most trying times. This life is about learning so much about the Savior that when you meet Him again for the first time, you'll know Him, not because you know his face, but because you are so familiar with His countenance that it is in your reflection. 

Jesus is coming, and whether in this life or the next we see him, it doesn't matter. Work on preparing for a great life with Christ by letting His example influence you today. God loves us because we are His. That's what I know. 

You guys are awesome. Have a great week my prayer in the name of the wonderful councilor Jesus Christ, amen.

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