FIrst Nephi Chapter Three - 1 Nephi 3

GOAL SETTING!

Alright, I loved the great lessons from this chapter about setting goals, making plans, and relying on the Lord.  Let me first try to paint a fast picture of what is going on here.  The family of Lehi has left Jerusalem.  They have journeyed into the wilderness for who knows how long.  Wilderness in this part of the world pretty well means DESERT = not especially enjoyable.  Lehi informs his 4 sons that the Lord has commanded them to return to Jerusalem to get some records, which are basically the Bible, as written to that point in time.

And, as typically is the case, two brothers complain, two brothers oblige.  I have to wonder what I would personally say if I was told to cross the desert AGAIN.  Verse 7 is a beautiful, famous verse which shows Nephi's amazing faith, and confidence in the Lord.  He knows the Lord will provide a way.

So they go back to Jerusalem.  In a first attempt to get these records, they figure they may as well start by asking for them, which turns out to fail miserably, nearly resulting in the death of one brother.  Okay, I think we better go home now, clearly this isn't going to work.  Right?  No sir.  What does Nephi do?  He sets a goal (v.15) - We are not going home until we do what we came here to do.  Then he makes a plan (v.16) - Here's how were going to do it: first, we are going to be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord (spiritual preparation first), then we'll go get all the gold and silver we left behind, and make a trade for the plates.  Perfect.  Sets the goal, makes a plan.

What happens?  Attempt two once again fails miserably (v.25-27)!  Now they still don't have the plates, and they lost all their riches.  Great.  What's going on?!  Now it is definitely time to go home.  This is a waste of time.  Right?

Well chapter 4 is going to reveal the finale of this sticky situation, but let me just say that THE LORD PROVIDES A WAY.  Let us learn that sometimes we must persist in our efforts, even if they seem in vain.  Even if our first and second attempts fail miserably.  If we are on the Lord's errand, doing something he has asked of us, we can trust with all the surety in the world that "the Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (v.7)  President Eyring gave a fantastic example of his own experience of following the prophet's council to get out of debt, and how the Lord truly prepares a way for it.  Go watch/read it HERE!  The talk, from the most recent General Conference, happens to be titled "Trust in God, Then Go and Do."

Perhaps we want to attend the Temple more often, or quit smoking, or do our home/visiting teaching every month, or get out of debt, or build up food storage.  Whatever our righteous desires may be, let us take courage that the Lord will open doors and make it possible for us to accomplish whatsoever thing he asks of us, just as he did for Nephi (read on to chapter 4!).  But we must exercise our faith and trust in Him, perhaps into the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th attempts (Pres. Uchtdorf's talk on Patience).  The Lord will provide a way.  My being out on a mission is a testimony of that, so I offer you my own witness that the Lord will do the part we cannot.  That as we set righteous goals, we can see miracles in our lives.  Go and Do!