Trying to Prepare

There have been so many devastating events over the past few months around the world.  It is so humbling to see others reaching out and giving a hand.  I have been personally blessed by the service and sacrifice of others, even though I am not amidst such devastation.  These acts of kindness encourage me to prepare, prepare, prepare.  I want to be ready and waiting when the call to serve knocks at my door. 

I was shown this scripture by my Bishop Arbon prior to my baptism.  It is also featured in the First Presidency message for March.  God spoke to Joseph Smith and comforted him during his trials...

“And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

“The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” (D&C 122:7–8).

This revelation has given me comfort during my own trials in life.  I know I can rely on Jesus Christ during moments of uncertainty.  I have heard a lot of people chatting about the scary things happening in the world.  I read on CNN about a Chilean mother who lost her son in a local tsunami.  His last words shouted were "Mama!  The world is about to end!" 

These are revelations being brought to pass.  Only through the Holy Spirit can this concept be understood.  No scientist, doctor, or worldly doctrines can explain what is going on here.  But the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Elijah are turning people's hearts to God and to each other.

I also know there is no need for a panic.  "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear" (Doctrine and Covenant 38:30).  Gordon B. Hinckley has also quoted in his talk, “Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come” (D&C 87:8).  I know if we are committed to serving God, according to inspired comandments, we will be safe from a more serious destruction...even an eternal destruction.

Following the commandments is a life committment.  It is a sacrifice.  It is so EASY to stray away.  In the Book of Mormon, Lehi gives an account of the vision of the tree of life (which represents the love of god).  Even some of those very elect, who partook of the fruit, became ashamed. 

This warning shouts to me from the pages of latter-day revelation.  I proclaim as Nephi, "Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

"Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions.

Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation. " (2 Nephi 4:28-30)