lessons from the war chapters.

Sometimes people struggle with why there are so many chapters that go into pretty extensive detail about the wars fought between the people of the Book of Mormon. In my recent reading in Alma I've started reading these chapters.

There are many lessons that we can learn from these war chapters.

Here are a few that I learned this past week:

We must counsel with the Lord and seek his help, while doing every logical thing we know how.
In Alma 43, when the Lamanites (badies) saw the armor and preparation of the Nephites (goodies) they hauled buns out of there and decided to attack in a different place. Moroni wasn't sure where they'd go, but knew they had to head them off. So he does two things. 1. He sends spies and leaves part of the army to defend the first area, while mobilizing the rest of them and 2. He asks the prophet to ask God where the Lamanites were going to attack. At this time the Nephites were following God's commandments and the Lamanites were not.

The prophet tells them where to send their armies and they are able to defend and defeat the invading army.

God always wants to help us, and is willing to when we ask for his help. He also expects us to use our own brains and do everything we can. This could include making a list of pros and cons of a decision, or pursuing multiple opportunities, then God can direct us to what is best for us.

Those that have faith in God are able to see his delivering hand.
In Alma 44 Moroni, the leader of the Nephites is able to pin down the leader of the Lamanites. Moroni says that it is because of their faithfulness to God that they have been able to defeat the Lamanites. This shouldn't be seen as religious arrogance. Moroni sees it as a fulfillment of the promise that if they were righteous, God would protect and deliver them. Zarahemnah (bad guy) says it's because of their armor and superior weapons.

Well, Moroni is a pretty righteous guy and he did all that he could to prepare his people. Then, God strengthened them to be able to preserve their liberty.

What others may see as coincidence, or our own talent or wisdom, those that are faithful can see God's aid and hand in deliverance.

There is always a lesson that we can learn. Even in, and sometimes especially during our trials.