An Imperfect Family's Example of Faith


In our family devotional and scripture study from The Book of Mormon this Monday morning, we talked about the family of Lehi, a real family who lived way back 600 BC who also went through the ups and downs of life and there's a lot about their experiences that we can relate to today.

This family lived in a world full of wickedness. But the Lord promised them that if they would follow Him, He would lead them to safety. It wasn't easy for them. They had some seriously rough times, but they also had their fair share of blessings and miracles along the way.

It wasn't all rainbows and butterflies for this family. They had their fair share of arguments and fights. And get this, it's captured in such detail in the scriptures! We're talking about parents trying their best to inspire faith in their kids while worrying about their safety. Then you have these kids who have to decide for themselves if they're going to believe their parents or not. And don't even get us started on the jealousy and contention between the siblings. But hey, they also managed to forgive each other sometimes.

Here are a few examples how Lehi and his family demonstrated their faith in God in several ways:
 
1. Leaving Jerusalem: When Lehi received a vision from God warning him of the destruction of Jerusalem, he faithfully followed the Lord's command to leave the city with his family. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead, Lehi trusted in God's guidance and led his family into the wilderness.

2. Trusting in God's Provision: As Lehi and his family traveled in the wilderness, they relied on the Lord's provision for their sustenance. When they were hungry, the Lord provided them with food in the form of the miraculous "manna" or "fruit of the tree of life." This demonstrated their faith in God's ability to provide for their needs.

3. Building the Ship: One of the most significant demonstrations of faith was when Lehi's sons, Nephi and his brothers, were commanded by God to build a ship to cross the ocean. Despite having no prior experience in shipbuilding, Nephi faithfully followed the Lord's instructions and built a ship. This act of faith showed their trust in God's guidance and their willingness to do what was required, even in the face of seemingly impossible tasks.

4. Trusting in God's Promises: Throughout their journey, Lehi and his family clung to the promises of God. They believed in the prophecies of a promised land and the blessings that awaited them there. Their faith in God's promises gave them hope and strength during difficult times.

5. Seeking the Lord's Guidance: Lehi and his family regularly sought the Lord's guidance through prayer. They relied on communication with God to receive direction, comfort, and understanding. Their consistent prayer demonstrated their faith in God's ability to guide and bless them.
 
All in all, this imperfect family's examples of faith are seriously powerful. You gotta check it out for yourselves in The Book of Mormon.

First Sunday of the year, 7 January 2024

As a family, we also go through some serious trials and hardships. But we strive to stay strong and rely on the Lord for support and guidance. 

REMEMBER friends, everyone's journey is unique, and it's okay to experience a range of emotions during difficult times. It's important to be kind to yourself and to one another as you navigate these trials. Keep holding onto your faith, and trust that with time, patience, and perseverance, you will find the strength to overcome these challenges. 

During tough times, leaning on your faith and seeking the Lord's help can provide comfort, strength, and guidance. Here are a few suggestions that may help you and your family:
 
1. Prayer: Continue to pray individually and as a family, expressing your concerns, fears, and hopes to the Lord. Prayer can bring peace and provide a sense of connection with a higher power.

2. Scripture Study: Spend time studying and pondering scriptures that provide comfort and guidance. The words of wisdom and encouragement found in religious texts can offer solace and perspective during challenging moments.

3. Support Network: Reach out to your faith community, friends, or loved ones who share your beliefs. They can provide emotional support, understanding, and prayers. Sometimes, simply knowing that others care and are there for you can make a significant difference.

4. Seek Professional Help: If the trials and hardships are causing significant distress, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists, counselors, or clergy members can offer guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.

5. Find Strength in Unity: Lean on each other as a family. Support one another emotionally, listen to each other's concerns, and work together to find solutions. Strengthening family bonds can provide a sense of security and resilience during challenging times.

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