Mosiah 9–10

“In the Strength of the Lord”

Is it possible to be so focused on something we want that we make decisions without considering the possible consequences? Zeniff was so focused on returning to the land of Nephi and rebuilding the cities there that he neglected to consider some of the negative consequences that could come from his decision. After experiencing some of the consequences, Zeniff and his people turned to the Lord in faith. This lesson can help you recognize how you can receive strength from the Lord as you pray and go forth in faith.

Solar eclipse

• The sun is 400 times the size of the moon, so how can the moon eclipse, or block, the sun’s light and warmth as illustrated in the following image?

Because the moon is so much closer to the earth than the sun, it can appear to be similar in size to the sun and block its light. Even something as small as your thumb can block your view of the sun if you hold it close enough to your eye.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how a solar eclipse can be an analogy for our spiritual lives. Watch “Spiritual Eclipse” (15:12), found on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, from time code 1:01 to 3:53, or read the following statement.

In the same manner that the very small moon can block the magnificent sun, extinguishing its light and warmth, a spiritual eclipse can occur when we allow minor and troublesome obstructions—those we face in our daily lives—to get so close that they block out the magnitude, brightness, and warmth of the light of Jesus Christ and His gospel. (Gary E. Stevenson, “Spiritual Eclipse,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 45)

• What are some of the smaller things we sometimes focus on that could obscure our focus on Jesus Christ and His gospel?

• What challenges or negative consequences can come from focusing too much on these smaller things?

Think about what you might be focusing on that may be obscuring your vision of Jesus Christ and His gospel. As you study, look for truths that can help you renew your focus on the Lord to avoid a “spiritual eclipse.”

Zeniff’s overzealousness

In a previous lesson, you learned that Zeniff led a group of people from the land of Zarahemla back to the land of Nephi.

Zeniff had a great desire to inherit this land, but his focus led to problems for him and his people.

Read Mosiah 9:1–3, 6, 10–15 (see also Mosiah 7:21), looking for how Zeniff and his people’s focus led to negative consequences. Note that overzealous means being too eager to accomplish or obtain something.

• What were some of the consequences of being overzealous and slow to remember the Lord?

One truth we can learn is that being overzealous and slow to remember the Lord can lead to negative consequences.

• What are some ways we may be overzealous and slow to remember the Lord today?

• What negative consequences might we face?

Turning to the Lord

Zeniff and his people lived in peace for years before the king of the Lamanites sought to implement his plan to bring them into bondage. Read the following passages to see how Zeniff and his people turned to the Lord when the Lamanites came to conquer them.

• Mosiah 9:14–19

• Mosiah 10:1–2, 6, 10–11, 19–20

• What did the people do to put their trust in the Lord? What were the results?

• What truths can we learn from this account?

One truth that we can learn from this account is that if we pray and go forth in faith, we can face our challenges in the strength of the Lord.

• What do you already know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that gives you confidence to put your trust in Them by praying and going forward in faith?

• How does it make you feel to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will still help us with our challenges even after we have made mistakes?

• What are examples in your life, the lives of others, or the scriptures that illustrate this truth?

To see an example of this truth, consider watching “Prayer” (4:12), found on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, or reading about the Savior exemplifying this principle in Luke 22:39–45.

Truths applied in real life

Imagine that a young woman finds herself doubting her testimony. When she thinks back on her life, she realizes that she focused so much on getting good grades and preparing for her future that she may not have nurtured her testimony as well as she should have, and now she sincerely doubts whether the Church is true.

1. Use what you learned from Mosiah 9–10 and your own personal experiences to answer the following questions. Also, consider how your responses might apply to your own life.

   • How might she “cry mightily to the Lord” (Mosiah 9:17)? How would you describe this kind of prayer?

   • How might she trust in the Lord and go forth in faith in Jesus Christ after crying mightily to the Lord?

   • What else might you recommend this young woman do? Why?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

Why is it so important to move forward in faith?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as “a form of work, … is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings” [Bible Dictionary, “Prayer”]. We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say “amen,” by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father. (David A. Bednar, “Ask in Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 95)

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) also encouraged:

Get on your knees and ask for the blessings of the Lord; then stand on your feet and do what you are asked to do. Then leave the matter in the hands of the Lord. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Women of the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 114)

What is a modern-day example of crying to the Lord and acting in faith?

Watch “Impressions in the Storm” (7:26) to see an example of a young Church member in the US Navy living this principle in a very difficult situation.