This is Hard — 1 Nephi 16–22

Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon 2024 (January 29–February 4)

Living in the snowy mountains, having a vehicle with 4-wheel drive is essential. I have a truck that requires the driver to engage the 4WD system by turning a knob when low-traction conditions exist. Unlike my car that has all-wheel drive, this system requires a recognition that I’m about to enter, or I’m already in, a situation that needs all four wheels to be active, and an intentional act to turn the knob.

Learning how to do hard divinely better begins with recognizing, “this is hard” and then intentionally choosing to engage tools of power and safety that increase our ability to move through the storm. Otherwise, we assume our normal driving will be sufficient with no need of additional assistance.

I relate to the murmuring that occurred as Lehi’s family journeyed toward the promised land. Those that murmured exclaimed, “this is hard” because it was! What they encountered was the truest definition of hard: hunger, pain, death, extreme physical exertion, uncertainty, conflict, and disappointment. But after recognizing they were in hard, they chose to be “hardened”, turning away from spiritual guidance and power. 

Nephi, however, is the example of recognizing hard and then turning the knob for extra power. “And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them…” (1 Nephi 17:3). 

This week I encountered significant crises, but I found myself resisting saying, “this is hard”. If I recognized the situation as hard, I would then have to cope with it and I wasn’t ready. In due time, my words came, now repeated many times, and in response to my turning toward God, I have heard and felt His comforting words, “…do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you…” (DC 68:6). 

Do Hard Divinely Better Lesson #4: 

Recognize when you’re in a hard place and simply say out loud, “this is hard.” Then like turning the knob for 4WD in a storm, turn to the Lord to engage heavenly power that will nourish, strengthen, and provide a means through your earthly trial.