“Lesson 24 Class Preparation Material: The Lord’s Power of Deliverance,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material (2021)
“Lesson 24 Class Preparation Material,” Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material
Lesson 24 Class Preparation Material
The Lord’s Power of Deliverance
When facing a trial, have you ever found yourself asking, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why won’t the Lord take this trial away from me?” From the Book of Mormon we can learn important lessons about the sources of our trials and how we can be blessed as we turn to the Savior for help. As you study in preparation for class, consider how you can deepen your trust in Jesus Christ’s infinite love, power, and wisdom as He supports you in or delivers you from the trials you face.
Section 1
Why do I have trials, even when I’m doing what’s right?
The Book of Mormon illustrates that trials have different sources. Some trials result from sin. For example, Zeezrom suffered a burning fever and sickness caused by his guilt for his own sins (see Alma 15:3). The Nephites and Lamanites endured years of warfare because of Amalickiah’s wicked choices (see Alma 46:9–10). However, not all trials are the result of wickedness. The families of Lehi and Ishmael suffered many hardships that were a natural part of journeying through the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 16:9–17:4).
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed the following about trials:
In the school of mortality, the tutor is often pain and tribulation, but the lessons are meant to refine and bless us and strengthen us, not to destroy us. (“Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace and Joy,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 17)
Elder Hales’s statement is illustrated in the experience of Alma and his people. They believed in the warnings of the prophet Abinadi. After converting to the Lord and being baptized by Alma, the people were driven into the wilderness by the army of wicked King Noah. After an eight-day journey, they arrived in a new land that they called Helam. Here they lived the gospel and “did multiply and prosper exceedingly” (Mosiah 23:20). However, their peace was eventually disrupted by a Lamanite army that found them and put them into bondage. (See Mosiah 17–18; 23.)
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Mosiah 23:21–24, looking for reasons the Lord allows even the righteous to experience trials.
Ponder in Preparation for Class
In what ways can seeking to understand the Lord’s eternal perspective on trials help us reframe how we see our own trials?
Section 2
Why is it important for me to trust the Lord’s timing during my trials?
After Alma and his people heeded Abinadi’s call to repent and fled into the wilderness, King Noah and the rest of his people rejected the prophet and did not repent. Because of their sins, they were overcome by the Lamanites and put into bondage. During the reign of King Limhi, Noah’s son, the Lamanites taxed the people heavily and persecuted them greatly. Limhi’s people failed three times trying to deliver themselves from bondage, and many people died in these efforts. (See Mosiah 12:2; 19:1–21:12.) Finally, they turned to the Lord for help.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Mosiah 21:13–16, looking for how the Lord blessed Limhi’s people as they sought His help.
As Limhi’s people truly humbled themselves and waited on the Lord, a search party sent by King Mosiah found Limhi’s people. The search party and King Limhi consulted with the people about how to escape bondage. On the appointed night they gave extra wine to the Lamanites, who got drunk and fell asleep. Limhi’s people then escaped into the wilderness and arrived safely in Zarahemla. (See Mosiah 21:23–22:14.)
As illustrated in this account, the Lord had His own purposes and timetable for delivering Limhi’s people.
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith means trust—trust in God’s will, trust in His way of doing things, and trust in His timetable. We should not try to impose our timetable on His. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said:
“The issue for us is trusting God enough to trust also His timing. If we can truly believe He has our welfare at heart, may we not let His plans unfold as He thinks best?” [Even As I Am (1982), 93.] (“Timing,” Ensign, Oct. 2003, 12)
Record Your Thoughts
Using what you have learned from the experience of Limhi’s people, record principles about how the Lord supports or delivers those who turn to Him in their trials. Be prepared to share these principles in class.
Section 3
How can I receive strength from the Lord as I endure my trials?
A Lamanite army pursued Limhi’s people but became lost. They eventually found the wicked priests of Noah, who joined with the Lamanite army. While traveling in the wilderness, they discovered Alma’s righteous people and put them into bondage. Amulon, who had been one of Noah’s wicked priests, was appointed by the Lamanite king to rule over Alma’s people. Amulon set taskmasters over the people and threatened to kill anyone found praying. (See Mosiah 22:15–16; 23:25–24:1; 24:8–11.)
Study in Preparation for Class
Read Mosiah 24:10–16, looking for how the Lord helped Alma’s people during their adversity. You might take a minute to ponder how He has comforted and encouraged you in the midst of your trials and afflictions.
Alma’s people exercised faith and patience, and eventually the Lord delivered them. He “caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites” (Mosiah 24:19), allowing Alma and his people to escape to the land Zarahemla. (See Mosiah 24:17–25.)
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught of this experience:
The challenges and difficulties were not immediately removed from the people. But Alma and his followers were strengthened, and their increased capacity made the burdens lighter. …
The unique burdens in each of our lives help us to rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah (see 2 Nephi 2:8). I testify and promise the Savior will help us to bear up our burdens with ease (see Mosiah 24:15). As we are yoked with Him through sacred covenants and receive [His] enabling power … in our lives, we increasingly will seek to understand and live according to His will. We also will pray for the strength to learn from, change, or accept our circumstances rather than praying relentlessly for God to change our circumstances according to our will. (“Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 89, 90)
Record Your Thoughts
Reflect on the different ways Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have increased your capacity to bear your burdens. Consider expressing your gratitude for Their help in prayer.