Mosiah 24

Some lessons I am reminded of in this chapter:

1. The Lord wisely refrains from shielding even His righteous children from misfortune and tragedy. This is evidenced by the fact that wicked Amulon and the Lamanites coincidentally happened upon Alma and the people of God, and subsequently enslaved them and persecuted them horribly (v.8-9).
2. Prayer is a critical lifeline, and when we have lived faithfully and righteously, prayer can be the means of securing God's comfort, peace, and support during our trials. Alma and his people poured out their whole souls to God in fervent and continual prayer for relief (v.10-14).
3. No matter the magnitude or the difficulty of the adversity we face, God can lend support and make our burdens seem light. God eased the burdens of the people so that they seemed light. Whether he made them physically stronger or whether he caused angels to be with the people and help them carry the burdens is not clear, but what is clear is that the burdens were made easy to bear (v.14-15).
4. After the trial of our faith, in God's own due time, when His purposes are fulfilled, whether to refine us or to humble us or to try us, He will deliver His righteous followers from all their afflictions. The people of Alma were miraculously delivered and led to join the people of Mosiah (v.16-25).

May we remember and trust in these principles as we face each wave of adversity, each test and trial in our life.