1 Nephi 7:1-2
1 And now I would that ye might know, that after my father, Lehi, had made an end of prophesying concerning his seed, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto him again, saying that it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone; but that his sons should take daughters to wife, that they might raise up seed unto the Lord in the land of promise.
2 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him that I, Nephi, and my brethren, should again return unto the land of Jerusalem, and bring down Ishmael and his family into the wilderness.
Reading these verses over a thousand years later, it seems hard to fathom that not only would Lehi and his family be asked to journey into the wilderness – the Lord expected them to recruit another family to bring with them! In many ways, though, isn’t that what our modern invitations to friends and family to learn the truth of the gospel can sound like to them? Asking them to do something a bit wild, like wander off into the wilderness of a gospel they may not be familiar with?
We testify that there is a prophet on earth today. How many people even think of prophets in a modern context? We testify that death is not the end and families can be together forever, when much of the world says “till death do us part”. Nonetheless, the Lord expects us to continue his work – inviting others to come unto Christ, even when those invitations may push us far from our comfort zones. The Prophet Joseph Smith said,
After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the gospel.
One of my favorite things about scripture study is that each verse can teach you so many truths, depending on what you need to learn when you study it. These verses also testify to me that Heavenly Father always has a plan for his children. He knew that Lehi’s sons needed to have families to continue the work so we could have the Book of Mormon in these latter days. Like many members, I feel worry and sadness that my family has yet to act as the family of Ishmael and come join me in the wilderness of living the Gospel. However, even in that regard, our Father in Heaven has a plan.
I cannot fully explain the heartbreak I have felt going through milestones in my life without my family at my side – my confirmation, receiving my endowments, getting married. I know that they have felt similar feelings of sadness, as well. I also know that one of the main goals of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to strengthen families. Of course we can’t make the people we love gain a testimony of the Restored Gospel, so we go about our lives, trying not to be too pushy, but peppering in good experiences at Church and truths where ever we can.
Lately, I’ve felt called to do more for my family. Every situation is unique, but my sweet family is not interested in the Gospel at this time, and that (as hard as it can be to accept) is ok! Instead, my testimony that there is more we can do for our families has been strengthened through family history work.
I know that many of our ancestors who did not have the opportunity to accept Gospel truths in this life have that testimony now. I know that the family history work we do now is one of the greatest ways we can make a difference for our families. While my family here may not share my enthusiasm for the Gospel, I know there are so many other ancestors that are eagerly awaiting the day their work will be done in the Temple. Elder Dale G. Renlund recently shared,
I have a testimony that the Lord cares deeply about individuals. He values the worth of each of His children. This is one reason why family history is so important to Him. When we view family history work as bringing the individual souls of our deceased ancestors back to our Heavenly Father, I testify that we will feel closer to Him.
I testify that Heavenly Father loves his children and he has prepared them to walk into the wilderness of life with the Restored Gospel. I know that He has beautiful, individual plans for each of us. I invite you to consider ways you can act as Lehi did, and help others seek the truth – through family history, through strengthening your own family or through something different completely. I know that if you seek ways to bring his children unto Christ, you will find so many of them.
I’m a newlywed, a convert, and a Michigan girl. My husband and I live in a little studio apartment and love to go on adventures. I have some pretty pieces of paper on my wall that say I’m not too shabby at communications and economics. I really love hockey, books, 2 Nephi 2:25, sunsets, and anything pink.