In the Wilderness

The wilderness plays an important role in the stories of Zeniff and Limhi.

Zeniff’s story begins with a deadly altercation in the wilderness, emphasizing the hazards of being away from civilization (Mosiah 9:1-2, Omni 1:27-28). He returns to Zarahemla, gathers a new group of people, and wanders in the wilderness “many days” before finding the land of his ancestors (Mosiah 9:3-4). When his people are later attacked, Zeniff hides the women and children in the wilderness during the battle (Mosiah 10:9).

Years later, his grandson, Limhi, who lives with his people in captivity, sends a group of 43 people to find Zarahemla. They become lost in the wilderness and eventually find their way home (Mosiah 8:7-11, Mosiah 21:25-27). Later, a search party from Zarahemla led by Ammon arrives after wandering in the wilderness for forty days (Mosiah 7:1-5). Limhi and his people escape into the wilderness and arrive safely in Zarahemla with Ammon’s help. Their enemies follow them and are lost in the wilderness (Mosiah 22:11-16).

Both Zeniff and Limhi referenced scripture stories about people traveling in the wilderness: the children of Israel and the family of Lehi. (See Mosiah 7:19-20, Mosiah 10:12-16.)

As I’ve pondered these stories today, I’ve been thinking about my own wildernesses. A wilderness is an unpredictable place, a place of vulnerability and uncertainty, a place where things can go terribly wrong, and there may be no one nearby to help. Here are a few of the wildernesses in my life right now:

• I just received a new calling at church which requires me to meet new people, develop new skills, and overcome some of my insecurities.
• The bank where I work has recently undergone significant restructuring, so I’m working with new people and trying to understand how my projects need to evolve to meet the priorities of the new organization.
• I’m working on several stretch goals this year in my personal life that require me to step outside my comfort zone and learn some things by trial and error.

Here are some lessons from Zeniff’s and Limhi’s stories that may help us face our wildernesses:

1. Wandering is expected. You may have a destination in mind, but you will likely not follow a well-trodden path, and you may not have an experienced guide. You will make wrong turns. You will get lost. You will be unable to measure your progress. Perseverance and patience are required.
2. You may find unexpected treasures along the way. Limhi’s group never found Zarahemla, but they did find the ruins of a great civilization, where they discovered the twenty-four Jaredite plates.
3. You may be better off than you were before. The Israelites reminisced about their glorious days in slavery (Numbers 11:4-6). Laman and Lemuel longed for their days of happiness in Jerusalem (1 Nephi 17:21). They were wrong. As hard as their wilderness experience was, it was much better than the alternative. Sometimes, you can only improve your situation and avoid looming dangers by leaving the city and venturing into the wilderness.
4. You will be motivated to put your trust in God. Faith is evidenced by a willingness to act in the face of uncertainty. When we feel safe, we may not feel an urgent need to reach out to God, but when we know we are in over our heads, subject to forces beyond our control, we naturally seek His help. Amulek said, “Ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness” (Alma 34:26).

Today, I will adopt the pioneering spirit of Zeniff, Ammon, and Limhi. I will participate fully in unfamiliar activities, reach out to new people, and trust God to guide me through my wildernesses.