This week in class we have been reading 1 Nephi 1-5. One of the main things I learned while studying through these scriptures is the importance of faith.
The 4th Article of Faith reads, “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” This shows the importance of faith since it is listed as the first principle of the Gospel.
As we read through the first chapters in the Book of Mormon, we come to realize the great amount of faith that both Lehi and Nephi have. Lehi shows great faith that everything is going to be ok as he takes his family and leaves Jerusalem after seeing in a vision that the city would be destroyed. In doing this, he leaves behind everything that he and his family own. After leaving, he sends his sons back to obtain the plates of brass from Laban.
Nephi also shows great faith at this point as he decides to ask for himself from the Lord if the things that his father has been saying are true or not. He shows great faith in deciding to go back to get the brass plates even though he has no idea how that will be accomplished.
Nephi’s expresses his faith in 1 Nephi 3:7 – “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.”
This verse is one of my favorite scriptures as it gives me strength to know the truthfulness of this statement. Our Father in Heaven will truly not give us more than we can handle. And though we may question and think that what is being asked is too much or too unbearable, with the proper attitude and complete faith in our Father, we can truly accomplish anything that He asks of us.