Lesson in Likening

One of my favorite scriptures is 1 Nephi 19:22-23 when Nephi comments about his purpose for expounding upon so much scripture in his teaching his brothers. He first states that he read many things from the plates of brass to them “that they might know the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old.” He specifically cites the words of Isaiah as having the power to “more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer”. In summary he writes that “I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.”

I have employed this principle over and over in my study of the scriptures, particularly as I have read the Book of the Mormon. I have had many experiences when the scriptures have become a type of Liahona for me, to guide me in my journey through life. (Alma 37:38-47) Many times the lessons I learn are taught only through the spirit, leading me to see and understand parallels from ancient experiences to my own. Often these lessons are difficult for me to articulate and share, because they are understood solely by myself under the influence of the Holy Ghost. Many times I feel myself echoing Ammon’s sentiment that “I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.” (Alma 26:11) There are times, however, when the message is so clear that I almost laugh aloud at the clarity. God truly does speak to us today through His holy word.

Our family is moving. We have moved many times in the course of my husband’s schooling and career, but unlike all our previous moves this one does not include a move out date. We are in this one for the long haul. We had our sights set on a certain area, but Heavenly Father saw fit to guide us somewhere else. We have felt His hand clearly, although at times seemingly crypticly, during this journey. We have felt strongly that He has been leading us to a specific place for His purpose.

So this week we have been in our new city searching for a new home. Before I ever purchased a home I imagined how delightful it would be to tour many homes and choose a wonderful new place for our family to live. The reality of those searches has always been less than enjoyable. Every move has involved traveling to a new state, looking at homes nonstop for several days, then placing an offer – often on the final day of our house hunting trip. The idea of leisurely walking through lovely home after home was quickly replaced by exhausting driving, searching and the subsequent mushing together of every floor plan and finish in my brain. The process is difficult, exhausting and stressful.

Last night after our second day of seemingly endless showings, I opened my scriptures before collapsing into a dead sleep. I opened to where I had left off the night before in the book of Alma. Ammon asks his brothers if they remembered the beginning of their mission to the Lamanites, but I saw myself in the middle of my long day at the beginning of this mission of moving. He said, “Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us and said:…bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give you success. And now behold, we have come…we have been patient,… we have traveled from house to house, relying upon…the mercies of God.” (Alma 26:27-28) There I was, at the end of a long day of traveling from house to house, reading that phrase. I felt the Spirit whisper its direct application to me. I felt the comfort of the Lord, the promise of success if we are patient and rely upon the mercies of God.

Some might call this coincidence. Elder Bednar calls it the tender mercies of the Lord. I have experienced the beauty of such experiences enough to recognize a Father’s watchful care. I know that He knows me. I know that He understands my struggles, my circumstances, and my unspoken fears. I know that He wants to comfort me, to give me reassurance through the Holy Ghost, and give me success. I know that His word is given to me for my profit and learning, so I can know His doings, and believe in the Savior. (1 Ne. 19:22-23)

I add my humble testimony to the great missionary Ammon’s, “Blessed be the name of my God… who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land. Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in.” Even a weary woman searching for a home in a new city.