Today’s Reading: Words of Mormon 1: 1-9
8 And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a delightsome people.
Years ago, a young man (who will remain anonymous) went to his parents and said something like, “I know the gospel is true but I don’t want to live it any longer. I am leaving home tonight.” Stung by a bleak reality, tangible heartache hung like a vapor in the air. A family prayer was said, tears were shed; and then, he left.
Under the direction of the spirit, this young man’s mother refused to give up on the babe she once snuggled, now developed to almost a man. She fasted, prayed and plead with her Heavenly Father that her son would learn that wickedness was never happiness. (i) Like Mormon’s desire for his once “delightsome people,” this righteous mother wanted her son to not only remember the redemption of Christ, but to learn how to use it in his own life.
Empowered by the knowledge that her request was sanctioned by God, she was relentless in her heavenly solicitations, until miraculously, just 3 days from when her son left, he showed up on his bishop’s doorstep. His bishop would later say that the young man was the most miserable he had ever seen. Humbled, repentant, and ready to begin the process of redemption, the young man returned to the safety of the gospel.
I will interject here, to recognize that this type of quick transformation is unusual. Most answers to prayer come line upon line over time, however, I believe this example to be a powerful example of faith, prayer and redemption.
Perhaps you are the lost sheep needing redemption? Maybe a family member, close friend or an entire people need to be reminded that they have a Savior and that they truly can be redeemed. Anyone can return to and/or become delightsome with repentance. “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father.” (ii) As my stake president pointed out, what if that “one soul” is you?
Elder Christofferson said, “Among the most significant of Jesus Christ’s descriptive titles is Redeemer.” (iii) All the fibers in my being seem to know that this is true. I seek His redemption on a daily basis and know that it is only possible through the Savior.
Jeni Brockbank and her husband Bart are parents to 6 amazing children. She finds great joy in being a wife and mother and feels that both callings are sacred privileges. Jeni is a continual student of the scriptures and loves to share her testimony with anyone who will listen. She teaches choir, is crafty and is grateful on a daily basis to live a few blocks from the Brigham City, UT temple.