I came across a great example of what you should be doing and thinking when you are alone in the scriptures today. I was finishing up Mormon in the Book of Mormon. I was reading in chapters 8 and 9. Mormon, Moroni's father, has just been killed by the Lamanites. The Lamanites have swept through the land killing ALL Nephites and in the process they are fighting amongst themselves. Moroni has been entrusted with the plates to write upon them. He states in chapter 8 verse 5, "My father hath been slain in battle, and all my kinsfolk, and I have not friends nor whither to go; and how long the Lord will suffer that I may live I know not." Moroni is completely and utterly alone. He is basically fleeing for his life while being hunted by the Lamanites. He could literally do whatever he wanted and not have to worry about what other people thought. He shows his faith and love of Christ by continuing on in the faith and traditions of his fathers. He bares his testimony numerous times and tells the recipients of this record, us, what we must do to be worthy to return to Heavenly Father. There are a "couple three" (Montana lingo for ya) versus that really stand out to me. Mormon 8:12 reads, " And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater things than these." Moroni tells us that by reading the Book of Mormon not only will we come to understand it, but "greater things" will be made known unto us. How cool is that?!
Last scripture I want to bring up due to time and this is way too long already. Mormon 9:19-20 is Moroni's answer to today's big question, why don't we see miracles today? Moroni says that the reason we don't see as many miracles among us is due to the unbelief in God the Eternal Father. Many people think that we do not receive revelation and other spiritual gifts today, but if that were so God would cease to be God. God is an unchangeable Being. He is there and hears and answers our prayers. We are entitled to see miracles and signs only if we have the faith necessary. So how great is your faith? What do you do when no one else is around? Do you strengthen your faith by communicating with Heavenly Father daily and reading His words in the scriptures? If we want to see miracles today, we have to work for them. Heavenly Father loves us and wants to bless us and perform marvelous acts in our lives, but we have to show him that we are worthy of those blessings.
Very well put, Elder. The questions at the end of your post are very good questions we should ask ourselves.
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