Mormon feels sad for his people.

Things look bleak for the Nephites. Except for a few stalwarts, the entire nation has turned its back on God and embraced wickedness.

Mormon, their military commander and sometimes spiritual leader, refused to lead them anymore because of their depravity. Now, some twenty years later, he agrees to lead them again—but he is “without hope” (Mormon 5:2).

“I knew the judgments of the Lord which should come upon them,” he said, “for they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that Being who created them” (Mormon 5:2).

The Nephites were desperately fighting for their lives against the Lamanites, trying every weapon and tactic and strategy they could think of—everything, that is, except for the one thing that could actually help: calling on God.

Instead, they saw the Lamanites marching upon them and felt “that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of the wicked” (Mormon 6:7).

Don’t let stubbornness prevent you from reaching out to the Lord! He won’t say, “I told you so.” He will embrace you and lead you toward a better life.

Note: This is part of a weekly series exploring the “Come, Follow Me” lessons. You can find the full lessons here.