"And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in his dream, that he should depart into the wilderness. And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him."
These two verses haven't had this effect on me before, but this time I was really struck by the unfailing obedience of Lehi. He had a comfortable home, land, and familiar surroundings in Jerusalem, but he gave it all up in a moment because the Lord asked him to. It doesn't mention fear, but I would think that Lehi would have been, if not scared, apprehensive about what laid ahead, but that didn't stop him.
I think that these words had this effect on me because of my recent decision to start my mission papers. After graduating high school, I had been filled with a lot of doubt and fear about going on a mission. I didn't know if it was right, or what I really should be doing with my life. But it was after really reading these verses that I felt a confirmation that a mission is what I need to do next with my life. I can't let fear get in the way of what the Lord wants for me, and all the strengthening experiences that are ahead of me. I really related to Lehi, I might not have had the Lord come to me in a dream, commanding me to do this, but I have felt the promptings and assurance that it is the right thing to do.
This doctrine of obedience is one that I found to be especially encouraging, especially in this time of my life. Knowing what I know about Lehi's journey through the wilderness, it was not easy or comfortable, but it led to more blessings for his future family than he could have imagined. Sometimes, obedience is hard, it won't always be easy or fair. However, the Lord will bless us for what we do in obedience, which is worth every hardship we might endure.
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