In 1 Nephi 7 we see Nephi and his brothers go back to Jerusalem to get Ishmael's family. I am reminded of our own lives and how Nephi could have felt much like we do; just as we get over one hurdle, we have another hill to climb. Also, the hurdles include individuals whom can make our goals more difficult, get us down, or just cause a distraction to our growth, as we get caught up in the emotions of it. Nephi did not let Laman, Lemuel and two of the daughters of Ishmael get home down. In fact, even when they tied him up in cords, he came off conquer because he prayed for help, with faith.
We may not experience being tied up with literal cords by those around us, but we could be experiencing being tied up in distracting, or unnecessary emotions that keep us from reaching our goals to be better servants to Him.
I am thankful for Nephi's example of prayer and faith, that he could burst the band's from which he was tied.
The Lord did help Nephi get out of the cords, just as he can help us to not be distracted, down, or held back from moving forward with his help.
I am also impressed with Nephi's continual love for these individuals that seem to weigh him down, and keep him from his work for God, as he did frankly forgive them and continue to lead them in patience and love.
I hope that I will turn to the Lord in prayer, as to not get tangled in cords that would keep me from continuing to grow and serve Him at my highest capacity.
I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
1 Nephi 7:
16 And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild beasts.
17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.
18 And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again.
21 And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness. And it came to pass that they did so. And after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our journey towards the tent of our father.
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