Be Patient in Afflictions

The Lord said this to the sons of Mosiah and their companions as they started their mission: “Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me” (Alma 17:11). One of the reasons for their success surely was that they proved patient in their afflictions and indeed showed good examples of followers of Christ throughout their sufferings. While it may seem that success came easy because the first story of conversion—that of Lamoni and his household—happened relatively quickly, it is clear from the text that overall they suffered immensely during their fourteen years among the Lamanites. Ammon later reported to his brethren that they had indeed been patient in their afflictions: “Behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation” (Alma 26:27-28). We see this in particular in the story of those who were imprisoned in Middoni: “And when Ammon did meet them he was exceedingly sorrowful, for behold they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all their sufferings” (Alma 20:29). What is incredible is that eventually this people of Middoni who had rejected the missionaries and caused them to suffer greatly in prison were eventually converted, just like Lamoni’s people in the land of Ishmael: “Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord: The people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Ishmael; And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Middoni” (Alma 23:8-10). The good example of Aaron and others who suffered with patience ultimately had a great effect on this people.

               Other scriptures likewise invite us to be patient in our trials. Paul encouraged the Romans, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). The Lord instructed Joseph and Oliver, “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days” (Doctrine and Covenants 24:8). To Thomas B. Marsh the Lord similarly said, “Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast” (Doctrine and Covenants 31:9). He also said to Newel Knight, “And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me” (Doctrine and Covenants 54:10). To William E. McClellin the Lord again emphasized, “Return not till I, the Lord, shall send you. Be patient in affliction. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Doctrine and Covenants 66:9). Given how many times He repeated this injunction, surely the Savior would say the same to each of us today: be patient in afflictions.

In the Book of Mormon we see other examples of those who were patient. One of these was the faithful Nephites during the great war. Moroni described them with these words: “And this because of their exceeding faith, and their patience in their tribulations” (Alma 60:26). He was undoubtedly including in that description Helaman who with his small army waited patiently for help from the neglectful government. Helaman wrote to Moroni, “And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the cause why they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not; therefore we were grieved and also filled with fear, lest by any means the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow and utter destruction. Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people. Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him” (Alma 58:9-11). Clearly, they showed great patience and trust in the Lord through their afflictions as they waited for help and waited on the Lord. Alma and his people at Helam likewise showed great patience in their suffering. In telling their story, Mormon wrote this, “Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith” (Mosiah 23:21). They were under bondage to the Lamanites and put under the control of Amulon, giving them a miserable situation. But they stayed patient and long-suffering despite their trials: “And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord. And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage” (Mosiah 24:15-16). It was their patience that brought them deliverance. All these scriptures remind us that afflictions and trials will come, both big and small, and that with trust in the Lord we can be patient through them.