Have you ever wondered why the pages of the Book of Mormon are so filled with the details of war? I believe that part of the answer is that we are battling a raging war every day. The war I am talking about goes on beyond the veil and extends to us on this side of the veil.
Moroni said, “…that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.” Continually means all of the time, never ceasing, until the battle is over and Satan is defeated and chained for eternity. Brigham Young said, “there are invisible agencies around us in sufficient numbers to encourage the slightest disposition they may discover in us to forsake the true way, and fan into a flame the slightest spark of discontent and unbelief. These spirits are watching us continually for an opportunity to influence us to do evil or to make us decline in the performance of our duties.” (JD, vol. 12:128)
As children of God we are fighting a powerful army (See D&C 88:113) with thousands of years of experience. An army that can see us, that outnumbers us, that knows us, and that knew us in our first estate.
Are you discouraged? Are you worried or afraid? Fear not for “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” (D&C 84:88)
One of the most inspiring stories in the Bible and one that buoys me up when I feel depressed and defeated is the story of Elisha in the book of Kings. Syria was battling Israel but the prophet Elisha reported every move that Syria made to the king. The Syrian King sent “hither horses and chariots, and a great host” (2 Kings 6:14) with the intent of capturing Elisha. During the night the army surrounded the village.
“And when the servant of the man of God [Elisha] was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horse and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! How shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15) Imagine this poor servant waking up and looking out the window to see their village surrounded by horses and chariots, even a great Syrian army. I can imagine this man turning to Elisha and saying, “What are we going to do? An enemy far superior to us surrounds us.”
But Elisha was not worried. He had prepared himself, as we must do. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day…”, and “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word if God:” (Eph 6:13-17).
And finally the awe inspiring response of Elisha the prophet to the concern of his servant, “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them…And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (2 Kings 6:16-17).
We can overcome the trials and tribulations of this life. Jesus Christ loves us and will do whatever it takes to help us return to our Heavenly Father as valiant sons and daughters. But we have to do our part, securing the armor of God and fighting with all our might, mind, and strength.
Posted by John in Feature Articles