The first time Alma the Younger saw an angel, it was to rebuke him for his wickedness. Years later, the same angel appeared again, this time to tell him good job for his faithfulness.
What a difference a few years can make!1
The angel told Alma to return to Ammonihah—where he’d just been rudely rejected—and try preaching the gospel again. If Alma was skeptical of his chances this time, he didn’t show it. The record says he “returned speedily” (Alma 8:18).
But notice how he did it.
“He entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is south of the city” (Alma 8:18, emphasis added).
Meaning, he didn’t assume that just because the angel told him to try again meant he had to do everything exactly the same as last time. He used his brain and tried something different.
And it worked! He met Amulek, who became his faithful friend and missionary companion.
Think of the problems you’re struggling with. Is there a different approach you could try? Ask Heavenly Father to help you find a way.
Second Try
Notes
1. See Mosiah 27:10–16 and Alma 8:15.