Unforseen Challenges

Deciding to take the Pathways program, in itself tested my faith in listening to the Holy Ghost. My daughter had shared information on the Pathways program with me at one point during the summer and within a month or so, the the Pathway missionaries came to our fifth Sunday meeting in our ward to explain the program. When that meeting was over, I had a strong testimony from the Holy Ghost that I needed to be part of the program. I left that afternoon, having no doubt that's where I needed to be at this cross road in my life. As the weeks counted down to the registration deadline, I started questioning my ability to even go back to school. I questioned the timing and tried rationalizing the holidays were coming and how I didn't want to give up that time to studying. When the day came to register, I postponed hitting that enter button until the last minute possible. I knew in that moment, that if I had faith in that initial confirmation by the Holy Ghost, I'd be doing the right thing in that moment and here I am making a new Blog. 

 This week in Pathways, we studied 1 Nephi 1-5 in the Book of Mormon. In these chapters, it tells how Lehi and his family fled Jerusalem by the commandment of God to avoid destruction by Babylonians. Later, Lehi asked his sons to go back to Jerusalem to recover a set of brass plates from Labon, who was a notable citizen in Jerusalem. These plates were to contain the ancestry of Lehi's family and the complete record of the Jews. Initially Laman and Lemuel were hesitant because Laban was said to be a powerful man, but when Nephi spoke up and said "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them", they all agreed they would go forth to Jerusalem and obtain the plates. After the first failed attempt, Laman and Lemuel were ready to return to the wilderness with their father, but Nephi once again spoke of his faith in the word of GOD (1Nephi 4:19-20) and did persuade them to go gather their riches and offer them to Laban in return for the brass plates. After this offer failed as well, the older brothers were very angry and did say angry words to both younger brothers and struck them with a rod. While doing so, an angel appeared saying "Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands." Even after this, Laman and Lemuel still questions their ability and commandment to obtain the plates. Nephi on the other hand, continued to share his faith in the commandment they'd be given. They still murmured and were very angry, but eventually agreed to follow Nephi back and did so until they reached the walls of Jerusalem. Nephi was then guided by the spirit to ask them to stay hidden behind the wall and he would proceed to the house of Laban. Once near the house, he found a man, drunken in the street and soon realized it was Laban. It was then that the spirit spoke to him and told him to slay Laban. (1Nephi 4:10-13) When hearing these words, he remembered the message he'd received from God earlier saying: "In as much as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise." He did slay Laban and he did obtain the plates as promised by the word of God. 

When doing some further studying and watching some clips attached to this chapter, I listened to clip from a talk given by Stan Kivett, titled Finishers Wanted. He talks about how easily Nephi agreed to go complete this task, because his faith was strong and immediately directed him to do as he was asked. However, even with that faith, he was surprises at how challenging it was to complete the task. It's a definite reminder that we might go into a task or commitment, with the greatest intentions and even faith, yet it's so easy to loose our footing when obstacle, after obstacle is put in our way. In 1Nephi 3:15, when Nephi realizes it's not going to be easy as he thought, he finds another way and forges though the challenge. 

I compare this to the decision I made when joining this years Pathways program.  I heard the spirit tell me this is where I need to be, so as Nephi did, I followed the spirit's voice and did as I was commanded. I have faith in my commitment and more in my ability as each day goes by, but what I don't know, are the challenges ahead that may derail me in the process. I'm sure they will come and when they do, I'll remember Nephi's resolve and take them head on.