In the Strength of the Lord

After recounting the terrible story of how a group of Nephites fought amongst themselves because of an argument over how to treat the Lamanites—resulting in the death of most of their army—Zeniff recounted how he went back to the try to obtain land among the Lamanites. Despite the horrific first attempt, he was so set on obtaining the land of their inheritance that he tried again. He described his efforts this way: “And yet, I being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God” (Mosiah 9:1-3). This term “over-zealous” was used twice in the text to describe him, and it seems clear that it was the wrong decision for him to leave the safety and security of Nephite lands to live in danger amongst the Lamanites in order to have a little better land (see also Mosiah 7:21). His choice ultimately led to many Nephites dying at the hands of the Lamanites and he summarized their many years there this way: “We have suffered these many years in the land” (Mosiah 10:18). Surely at some point he regretted the choice he had made to bring his people there, but once they were established amidst their enemies, they had no way to change course other than to deal with the problems they had at least in part created for themselves.

               That said, what is very instructive about the story of Zeniff and his people is that despite the part they played in contributing to their own problems, they were still able to seek the Lord’s help and obtain it. Zeniff wrote, “I and my people did go forth against the Lamanites to battle. Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers. And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did go forth in his might” (Mosiah 9:16-18). The Lord didn’t say to them, “Well, you were kind of the cause of your own problems. You should have stayed back in Zarahemla and you were too over-zealous for this land. You’ll have to deal with your problems yourselves.” No, instead He still came to their aid as they sought His help and strength. And this happened more than once. Zeniff wrote again, “And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle. Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men…. And now I, Zeniff, after having told all these things unto my people concerning the Lamanites, I did stimulate them to go to battle with their might, putting their trust in the Lord; therefore, we did contend with them, face to face” (Mosiah 10:10-11, 19). Despite his other flaws, Zeniff did recognize that he needed the Lord’s sustaining hand in their battles and that the strength of men was not enough. He trusted in the Lord, sought His help with all his heart, and ultimately his people were protected from destruction during his lifetime.

               This story should be encouraging to all of us who make mistakes and sometimes bring on our own challenges. We should not dwell on the fact that if we had not done this or that thing, or if we had not made this earlier decision, then we would not have this certain trial. Instead, we can recognize our mistakes but move on with trust in the Lord, seeking His help in our current situation. And we need not be afraid that He will turn us down because we have some responsibilities in our problems—He will help us anyway. Limhi, the grandson of Zeniff, learned this lesson and I love how he put it: “O ye, my people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings, which have been in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to be made. Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob” (Mosiah 7:18-19). We can put our trust in the God who will help us make an effectual struggle no matter what our challenges are or how much we are responsible for them. As we follow Limhi’s counsel, we will find deliverance in Him: “But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage” (Mosiah 7:33).