Book of Mormon: Day 157: Steadfast and Immovable

Today’s Reading: Alma 1:1-25

25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.

As Latter-day Saints today, I think we can relate a lot to the people in The Book of Mormon. We will all go through great trials in our lives, and we will all be tempted to stray from the path. It’s hard to keep the commandments when we are being persecuted for living the law of chastity or keeping the Word of Wisdom. Sometimes people outside of the Church seem to be happier than we are, especially during trials.

But in my life, there has always been one thing that has helped me get through trials and persecution, and that is living the gospel. One of the hardest trials to face in my life was the suicide of my father-in-law. It was hard to stay positive and keep praying and reading my scriptures when I felt like it was unfair and that none of us deserved to go through that. It was definitely a trial of my faith.

But I kept reading the scriptures, I kept praying, and I had faith that I would see him again because of the Plan of Salvation. I listened to the counsel of Elder Neil L. Andersen when he said

How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others. When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.

That’s what we have to do when we are persecuted and face great trials. We have to keep living the gospel and and be “steadfast and immovable.” When we live the gospel, we can have peace in our lives. It might take a while to come, but I know it does come. The Lord will never leave us alone.

Chelsea Johnson

I’m a wife to a doctor and mama to two toddlers. I love talking about pregnancy and the ups and downs of motherhood. I have a weakness for delicious food, and love anything pumpkin. I have no doubt that our Savior loves us and knows exactly how we’re feeling at all times, good and bad.