Both Limhi and Alma learned by experience that God can deliver us from the challenges we face. They also learned that that He will provide immediate blessings and strength to help us endure the challenge until the deliverance comes.
Captivity and Deliverance: Limhi and Alma
Both Alma's and Limhi's people fell captive to the Lamanites and were both delivered by God. From their examples, we can learn to pray humbly, to recognize the blessings God provides immediately, and to look forward to the deliverance He will provide.
Bearing Burdens
Three lessons about carrying burdens from Alma's people and Limhi's people: 1. Burdens are lighter when we carry them together. 2. Sometimes, we need to accept our burdens gracefully. 3. A burden can be a blessing.
Stumbling Blocks
A stumbling block is anything that causes you to lose your balance and stop moving forward. The removal of plain and precious truths from the scriptures was a stumbling block to many. So was pride. God can help us overcome every stumbling block we face.
Burdens
Isaiah called some of his prophecies "burdens." They described difficult times ahead. The scriptures teach us how to manage our burdens: 1. Share them with each other. 2. Don't add to others' burdens. 3. Accept the burdens Jesus offers us.
Out of Great Tribulation
John saw a large multitude at the throne of God dressed in white robes. An angel explained that these people "came out of great tribulation." Sister Michelle D. Craig taught, "Troubles are part of the plan." When life is hard, we are in good company!
Her Perfect Work
"Let patience have her perfect work," says James. When you go through a trial, remember that it will end when its purpose is accomplished. Let the trial do its job, proving you and stretching you as part of God's plan for your happiness.
Perfected Through Suffering
The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus was made perfect through suffering. How can a Being who was already flawless and divine become perfect? I don't fully understand, but I do believe that our suffering is helping us become more complete.
Out of Much Affliction
Three principles from Paul about suffering: 1. God loves us and will comfort us when we suffer. 2. Suffering can result in growth and progression with God's help. 3. We can find joy when we suffer, particularly when we maintain an eternal perspective.
Daily Death and Resurrection
In his epistles to the Corinthians, Paul uses death and resurrection as a metaphor for God's daily deliverance. If we believe that God will raise us from the dead, then surely we can also believe that He will help us through our smaller afflictions today.