Michael Jordan is one of the most famous professional basketball players of all time—even though he was cut from his high school team!
“I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed,” he said.1
Learning a new sport, talent, or skill takes time and practice—and so does becoming a disciple! Joseph Smith learned from the angel Moroni, who was kind of like his spiritual trainer.
Late on the night of September 21, 1823, Moroni first visited Joseph and taught him about the plates, their purpose, and the work that God needed him to do. He also warned him.
“Beware,” he said, “When you go to get the plates, your mind will be filled with darkness, and all manner of evil will rush into your mind to prevent you from keeping the commandments of God.”2
When the time came for Joseph to dig up the plates, he couldn’t help but wonder how much they might be worth. Could they, or other treasures nearby, help his family get out of poverty? Then he felt a shock and jerked his hand away!
“You have not kept the commandments of the Lord,” Moroni told him. “They are not deposited here for the sake of accumulating gain and wealth for the glory of this world. They were sealed by the prayer of faith.”
Moroni told Joseph to come back again on the same day the next year. It took Joseph four years and multiple meetings with Moroni to finally be prepared to receive the gold plates! Becoming a righteous disciple takes time, focus, and a determination to put the Lord first in an ongoing way.
Joseph was eventually able to receive, guard, and translate the plates into the Book of Mormon. Success!
When you fail multiple times at something you want to accomplish—whether it’s developing a skill or overcoming a sin—remember Joseph’s example. The Lord helps those who are sincere!
Tales of Triumph
Notes
1. 50 Famous People Who Failed at Their First Attempt at Career Success, Linkedin website.
2. Read more about Moroni’s interactions with Joseph Smith in Saints: Vol. 1, chapters 3 and 4.
See also Celebrating 200 Years since Moroni Appeared to Joseph Smith, Steven C. Harper, Fall 2023 Review Magazine, BYU Religious Studies Center.