Mosiah 21–24, Part 2

Turning to the Lord for Deliverance from Trials

How do you respond when you experience trials and difficulties? Why do you think some people draw closer to the Lord while others retreat from Him? In Mosiah 21–24, we learn that the people of Limhi and the people of Alma turned to the Lord for strength and deliverance from captivity. This lesson is intended to help you rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to help you through your trials.

Responding to trials

In the previous lesson, you were invited to think about a trial you are experiencing or have experienced. You may have learned some truths in your study of Mosiah 21–24 that helped you understand why the Lord allows you to experience trials. Today, think about your trials again, but this time consider how you have responded to them. You may want to record obstacles or successes you experienced and ways you have felt the Lord’s influence or blessings.

The Lord’s power of deliverance

You might remember studying the people of Limhi (in the land of Nephi) and the people of Alma (in the land of Helam). They both experienced difficult trials while in captivity to the Lamanites. This image illustrates their journeys in Mosiah 21–24.

Today you will learn how the Lord delivered both groups of people out of bondage and into the land of Zarahemla. As you study, keep your trials in mind and look for truths that help you recognize ways the Lord exercises His power of deliverance in your life.

Create the following chart in your study journal. Be sure to leave plenty of room to record multiple answers in each box.

Read the scriptures for at least one of the groups of people, making notes in the chart about how they were delivered from their trials. You may want to mark in your scriptures any words or phrases that stand out to you.

Mosiah 21–24: Strength and Deliverance

Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)—“Mosiah 21–24, Part 2: Turning to the Lord for Deliverance from Trials”

	People of Limhi Mosiah 21:13–16, 36; 22:1–13; 29:18–20	People of Alma Mosiah 23:25–29; 24:8–25
What actions did the people take to receive the Lord’s help?
How was the Lord involved in their deliverance?
What are some favorite phrases to remember from these verses?

© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. Answer the following questions:

   • What were some of the actions that the people took to receive the Lord’s help?

   • What did you learn about the Lord and His power as you studied these accounts?

   • What was a favorite phrase you identified from one of the verses you studied?

Recognizing and rejoicing in the Lord’s power

Among many truths we can learn from these verses, you may have noticed from your studies that as we turn to Him, Heavenly Father will sustain us during our trials and deliver us in His time (see Mosiah 21:14–16). We also learn that when we endure our trials cheerfully and patiently, the Lord can strengthen us to bear our burdens with ease (see Mosiah 24:15).

• How can knowing these things about the Lord influence how you respond to your trials?

• How has the Lord supported and strengthened you or someone you know to endure a trial or carry a burden? How did this experience impact your feelings for Him?

Watch the video “Feeling the Lord’s Love and Goodness in Trials” (4:18) on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Look for how the truths or phrases you identified in the scriptures could relate to the experience of the Gutierrez family.

Feeling the Lord's Love and Goodness in Trials

Your next steps

Reflect on what you have learned today that could help you with the trials you face.

2. Complete the following instructions:

   Add a new column to the chart you created earlier in the lesson and label the top row of this column “Me.” Then complete your new column by answering the following questions. (If you do not have room to create a new column, answer the questions in a separate space in your study journal.)

   • What actions can you take to receive more of the Lord’s help in your trials?

   • What have you learned about the Lord today that can help you understand the kind of help or strength He can provide you?

   • What words or phrases from the verses you studied do you think could relate to your circumstances? Why?

Optional: Want to Learn More?

Why doesn’t God always provide us with immediate deliverance from our trials?

Elder Evan A. Schmutz of the Seventy observed:

God invites us to respond with faith to our own unique afflictions in order that we may reap blessings and gain knowledge that can be learned in no other way. …

Many of us have pleaded with God to remove the cause of our suffering, and when the relief we seek has not come, we have been tempted to think He is not listening. I testify that, even in those moments, He hears our prayers, has a reason for allowing our afflictions to continue [see Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8; 122], and will help us bear them [see Mosiah 24:12–15]. (Evan A. Schmutz, “God Shall Wipe Away All Tears,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 116)

You may want to watch the video or read the talk “Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God” (10:18) by Elder Anthony D. Perkins of the Seventy on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. When Elder Perkins was diagnosed with cancer and learned that his mortal life would likely be cut short, he learned important lessons about trials and suffering.

Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God

In what ways might the Lord’s help or deliverance come?

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

Healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a “healing” cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are “healed” by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us. (Dallin H. Oaks, “He Heals the Heavy Laden,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 7–8)

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared lessons we can learn from the deliverance of the people of Limhi and of Alma. Watch the video “The Power of Deliverance” to see these lessons.

The Power of Deliverance

How can remembering past experiences help me to better endure my trials?

Watch the video “Good Things to Come” (4:55) at ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Look for the counsel Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gives as he explains how a trial taught him that trusting in the Lord can offer us hope in challenging times.

Good Things to Come