1 Nephi 17–18

“I Did Look unto My God”

We will all have trials and suffering in our lives. Some of it will come as a consequence of our own misdeeds or simply by our living in a fallen and imperfect world. As Nephi experienced throughout his journey to the promised land, some trials and suffering are caused when those around us misuse their agency. Regardless of the source of our suffering, Jesus Christ offers strength and healing to those who seek Him. This lesson can help you feel love and gratitude for the Lord, regardless of the circumstances you are facing.

How would you react?

Have you ever noticed the different ways people sometimes react to similar situations? Read the following scenarios and think about some of the different ways the people in the scenarios could react.

Guillermo went to the eye doctor because his vision was blurry. The doctor told him he had a rare disorder that will make him fully blind within a year.

Layla’s brother got mad and pushed her, causing her to injure her ankle. She was supposed to play in her team’s championship game, but now she can’t run.

• What are some of the different ways the people in these scenarios might react to their difficult situation?

• What do you think are some of the reasons why people respond in positive or negative ways to the trials they experience?

Nephi’s perspective

As you have studied the Book of Mormon, you may have noticed a difference between Nephi’s actions and attitude compared to those of Laman and Lemuel, even while they suffered many of the same afflictions. Pay attention to this difference as you study the following verses.

Traveling in the wilderness:Compare Nephi’s account in 1 Nephi 17:1–3 to what Laman and Lemuel said in 1 Nephi 17:20–22.

Building a ship:Compare Nephi’s response in 1 Nephi 17:8–9, 15 to Laman and Lemuel’s reaction in 1 Nephi 17:17–18.

• What thoughts or impressions did you have as you compared the words and actions of Nephi with those of Laman and Lemuel?

• What did you notice about the relationship each of these individuals had with God?

All of us have times where we respond well to difficult situations, and other times, not so well. Think about whether you generally act more like Nephi or more like Laman and Lemuel when you face difficult situations. As you continue to study, look for teachings that can help you respond in more positive ways when you are faced with difficulties or trials.

Lehi and his family sail to the promised land

After Nephi and his brothers completed the construction of the ship, the Lord commanded Lehi and his family to begin sailing toward the promised land (see 1 Nephi 18:1–8).

Read 1 Nephi 18:9–21, looking for some of the difficulties that were experienced during this journey. As you study, continue to compare Nephi’s actions and attitude with those of Laman and Lemuel. You may also want to watch the video “Lehi’s Family Sails to the Promised Land” from time code 3:13 to 11:31, available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

1. Answer at least two of the following questions in your study journal:

   • What stood out to you from this account?

   • Notice what Nephi recorded in verse 16. If you had a chance to ask him some questions about his actions in this verse, what would you ask him?

   • How do you think he might respond to your questions?

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared one reason Nephi was able to respond the way he did through his difficulties.

Because they were distant from the Savior, Laman and Lemuel murmured, became contentious, and were faithless. They felt that life was unfair and that they were entitled to God’s grace. In contrast, because he had drawn close to God, Nephi must have recognized that life would be the most unfair for Jesus Christ. Though absolutely innocent, the Savior would suffer the most.

The closer we are to Jesus Christ in the thoughts and intents of our hearts, the more we appreciate His innocent suffering, the more grateful we are for grace and forgiveness, and the more we want to repent and become like Him. (Dale G. Renlund, “That I Might Draw All Men unto Me,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 40)

• What is a truth you learned from Elder Renlund’s statement that can help you in your trials?

One truth you may have identified is that when we are close to Jesus Christ, we can feel love and gratitude for Him even during difficult times.

Take a moment to reflect on what you have learned today. Evaluate how close you feel to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. What can you do to come closer to Them? What difference do you think this could make in your life? Record your thoughts and spiritual impressions in your study journal.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

1 Nephi 18:11, 17–19. Why would God allow Laman and Lemuel to cause such suffering?

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

God rarely infringes on the agency of any of His children by intervening against some for the relief of others. But He does ease the burdens of our afflictions and strengthen us to bear them. … He does not prevent all disasters, but He does answer our prayers to turn them aside … or blunt their effects. …

Through all mortal opposition, we have God’s assurance that He will “consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain” (2 Nephi 2:2). (Dallin H. Oaks, “Opposition in All Things,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 117)

In no way should this be interpreted to mean that Heavenly Father is indifferent toward our suffering, especially when it comes to abuse.

The Lord expects us to do everything we can to prevent abuse and to protect and help victims. No one is expected to endure abusive behavior.

Reports of abuse should never be dismissed. Everyone should respond with compassion and sensitivity toward victims and their families. Those affected by abuse need to be heard and supported. (Gospel Topics, “Abuse,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Will having faith in God mean I can avoid difficult circumstances?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering until we see His arm revealed in our behalf. That can be difficult in our modern world when many have come to believe that the highest good in life is to avoid all suffering, that no one should ever anguish over anything. But that belief will never lead us to “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” [Ephesians 4:13]. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Waiting on the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 116)

Can I still experience joy when going through difficult circumstances?

President Russell M. Nelson taught:

My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. (Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82)