thoughts from the book of mormon: 3 nephi 4:8-10

 i have been thinking a lot about the trials that heavenly father allows us to experience in this mortal life.  i used to wonder if there would come a time when i wouldn't have the strength to endure.  would there be a trial or struggle that i could not overcome?  in 3 nephi chapter four the nephites are about to face the the army of giddianhi, the governor of the gadianton robbers, in battle.  starting in verse eight it says

"8. and it came to pass that the armies of the nephites, when they saw the appearance of the army of giddianhi, had fallen to the earth, and did lift their cries to the lord their god, that he would spare them and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.

9. and it came to pass that when the armies of giddianhi saw this they began to shout with a loud voice, because of their joy, for they had supposed that the nephites had fallen with fear because of the terror of their armies.

10. but in this thing they were disappointed, for the nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their god and did supplicate him for protection; therefore, when the armies of giddianhi did rush upon them they were prepared to meet them; yea, in the strength of the lord they did receive them."

 when i read that i saw in my mind a powerful image of the great and terrible army bearing down on the faithful nephites kneeling on the battlefield.  i could imagine the surprise in the eyes of the gadianton robbers when the nephites stood up and turned to face them with courage in their eyes and the strength of the lord flowing through their limbs. it struck me in that moment that the fiery darts of satan and the trials that the lord allows me to face are much like that great and terrible army of giddianhi.  i saw myself kneeling in prayer and bowing my head in scripture study each day in my own personal battlefield with the minions of satan bearing down on me. i could imagine them shouting to each other in their mistaken joy because they think that i have fallen to the earth in fear of them.  what disappointment and surprise they must feel when i stand up and in the strength of the lord receive them each and every day! 

 i don't wonder anymore about those future trials or temptations. why? because now i understand what it means to fear god more than my enemies.  i know that by doing the small and simple things i will be strengthened and sustained in each and every battle i face. it is hard sometimes but remembering is half the battle. remembering to kneel down on the battlefield. that's why there is so much power in the small and simple habits of daily prayer and scripture study, weekly church attendance, and regular temple attendance.  when i do those small and simple things consistently, daily, it is not hard to remember even when the battle against satan is raging in my ears. i love the book of mormon. there is great strength in those pages.