2 Nephi 2

Verse 2: “…thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.” I know that’s true. I know that when our life is focused on Him, He can and does make all things work together for our good. In Relief Society we’ve been talking a lot about being grateful for our afflictions. I am such a complainer, I have a hard time being grateful for my blessings. But I know that I can and should be grateful for all things. It reminds me of the story about the fleas in the book I just read, “The Hiding Place”. The sister insisted that they be grateful for the fleas, and they really did end up being a blessing because the guards left them alone in that room where they were so bad. I know all things draw me closer to Him if I can train my mind to come back to Him in all things.

In verse 3, Lehi is talking to Jacob about how he will be safe with Nephi because of his testimony. I expected him to say I know that our redeemed because of thy righteousness, but he didn’t. He knew he was redeemed because of the righteousness of the Savior. What a wonderful reminder to me.

In verse 4 Lehi tells Jacob he is just as blessed as those who will actually see Christ, because the Spirit is the same. I forget what  a blessing it is to have the Holy Ghost, a member of the God-head, with me all the time. I really do need to be a temple and walk uprightly to be worthy of such a gift. What a blessing!

Verse 8 talks about how important it is to let everyone know the only way they can be saved. I pray that the Lord will bless me to know how to do so, and that I will be more willing to open my mouth. I feel so strongly that I need to do better. I always said I didn’t need to go on a mission because I was going to be a mom, and be a missionary all the time. I am a mom, and I do teach my children the gospel, but I need to love my neighbor more, and share more. And not just think it, but do it!

As I read this chapter I amazed about all the doctrine that it clarifies. It is an amazing discourse on the plan of salvation, and clarifies so many points that the world has long been confused about: The nature and purpose of life and trials, the role of Adam and Eve in the garden, the workings of the atonement and man’s relationship to God, the judgment; it really is an amazing thing that so few words could clear away so much confusion.