While King Mosiah’s people were enjoying “continual peace” in Zarahemla (Mosiah 7:1), their thoughts turned to another group of Nephites, who many years before had left to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi. Generations had passed, and Mosiah’s people had heard nothing from them. So, Mosiah asked Ammon to lead a search party to find the Nephites who had left. The search party found that these Nephites, “because of iniquity” (Mosiah 7:24), were in captivity to the Lamanites. But with the arrival of Ammon and his brethren, suddenly there was hope for deliverance.
Sometimes we’re like these captive Nephites, suffering because of our sins, wondering how we’ll ever find peace again. Sometimes we’re like Ammon, feeling prompted to reach out to others and eventually finding that our efforts have inspired them to “lift up [their] heads, and rejoice, and put [their] trust in God” (Mosiah 7:19). No matter our circumstances, we all need to repent and “turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart,” with faith that “he will … deliver [us]” (Mosiah 7:33).
Meeting Ammon gave King Limhi hope, and he wanted to pass that hope on to his people. Maybe his words can give you hope too. For context, consider reviewing the situation of Limhi’s people in Mosiah 7:20–25. Then ponder these questions as you read Mosiah 7:14–33:
What did Limhi say to strengthen his people’s faith and hope in Christ?
What phrases help you feel hope? (see verses 19, 33).
What experiences have helped you trust that God can and will deliver you?
In Mosiah 7:26–27, Limhi explained some of the truths taught by Abinadi. What truths can you identify in these verses? How do these truths affect the way you see God and yourself?
The Lord provides prophets, seers, and revelators to benefit mankind.
When Limhi heard Ammon’s testimony that the Lord had raised up a seer, Limhi “rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God” (Mosiah 8:19). Why do you think he felt that way? What do you learn about seers from Ammon’s words in Mosiah 8:13–19?
Today, we sustain the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. How have they been “a great benefit” to you? (Mosiah 8:18). What have they taught you about Jesus Christ?
How can you, like Ammon, speak boldly about the need for prophets, seers, and revelators? (see Mosiah 8:13–18). For example, what could you share with your family or on social media about:
The blessings of commandments or ordinances (such as the Word of Wisdom, the law of chastity, or sealing of families).
Last month, we heard from prophets, seers, and revelators in general conference. What messages inspired you? What will you do differently based on what you learned? What did the Lord’s seers say about “things which are to come”? (Mosiah 8:17).
See also Gospel Topics, “Prophets,” Gospel Library.
I can face my challenges “in the strength of the Lord.”
Zeniff admitted that his mistakes had put his people in a difficult situation. But later, during battles against the Lamanites, he helped his people face their challenges with faith in the Lord. As you read Mosiah 9–10, look for what Zeniff’s people did to show their faith. How did God strengthen them? How has He strengthened you? What does it mean to you to go forth “in the strength of the Lord”? (Mosiah 9:17; 10:10–11).
As you read Mosiah 10:11–17, identify how the actions and attitudes of previous generations of Lamanites affected the generations that followed. What does this suggest about how your choices may affect others—for good or bad—including people who are not yet born?
Use object lessons. Object lessons make learning fun and memorable. Perhaps a line of dominoes could show how people’s choices can affect their descendants (see Mosiah 10:11–17).
God helped people in the scriptures, and He can help me.
When his people were in trouble, King Limhi shared scriptures to build their faith. Ask your children about scripture stories or characters that help them have faith. Then you could read Mosiah 7:19 to them and review the stories mentioned in this verse (see “The Passover” and “The Israelites in the Wilderness” in Old Testament Stories, 70–76). Maybe your children would like to act them out. How did the Lord help the people in these stories? How can He help us?
For more examples of how the Lord helps us, select some verses of “Book of Mormon Stories” or “Nephi’s Courage” (Children’s Songbook, 118–19, 120–21) to sing with your children. Help them identify how the Lord helped people in the Book of Mormon—and how He can help us.
One way to teach about seers is to compare them to things that help us see better, like glasses, binoculars, or a microscope. Then as you read Mosiah 8:17 to your children, they could put their hands up to their eyes like they’re looking through binoculars each time they hear the word “seer” (see also Moses 6:35–36). Talk with them about things that the Lord helps prophets “see” that we can’t. What have our prophets or seers, such as Joseph Smith, revealed to us?
After reading Mosiah 8:16–18 with your children, you could help them think of ways to complete a sentence like A seer is like a … who helps us … . For example, a seer is like a traffic sign who points us to Jesus.
You could also make paper footprints and invite your children to draw pictures on them of things that prophets, seers, and revelators have counseled us to do. Place the footprints in a path around the room, and let your children walk on these footprints. How can a seer be “a great benefit” to us? (see Mosiah 8:17–18).
When children face challenges, they sometimes feel weak and helpless. How will you help your children rely on the Lord’s strength? You could ask them what we do to become physically strong. What does it mean to have “the strength of men”? (see Mosiah 10:11). What does it mean to have “the strength of the Lord”? (see Mosiah 9:17–18; 10:10). How do we receive the strength of the Lord? Your children could draw a picture of things that help them receive the strength of the Lord.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
