The Book of Mormon

Continuing with my goal to read the standard works, I have finished the Book of Mormon. (For an explanation of this goal- see The Old Testament post)

I'm a little behind where I should be (If my calculations are correct, I should have finished it last week), but I'm not so far behind that I can't get caught up.  Besides, I've got Thanksgiving and Christmas Break coming up soon. With no homework or midterms to worry about, I'm sure I'll get a lot of reading done.

I really love this book.  Through the Book of Mormon, my faith in Christ grows, regardless of how many times I've read it.  The teachings of this book help me to find a sense of peace that is difficult to find in the hustle and bustle of today's society.  Here are a few of the versus that really touched me as I read.

3rd Nephi 5:13 "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."

During the 18 months of my mission, this was probably my favorite verse in the Book of Mormon.   As a missionary, you can really feel those words fill you up. Since I've been home, I've been seeking ways to feel just as filled with these words.  I came home from the Philippines, that's all that changed.  I'm still a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, I have the opportunity to share His gospel with others that they might have everlasting life.

Ether 12:37 "...And because though hast seen thy weakness though shalt be made strong,..."

This is just a small fragment of the verse, but the words mean a lot.  People commonly quote Ether 12:27, which teaches about our weaknesses being given to us to help humble us and that through Christ, we can become strong.  I find the promise in verse 37 hits a little closer to home.  Christ does make us stronger, but He can only help us to change that which we are trying to change.  I excel in seeing my own weaknesses.  This verse reminds me that I have to see them before I can work with the Lord to change them.  He promises that, as long as I rely on him, every weakness that I see in myself can become a strength.

I know this book to be true and I invite anyone who struggles to feel at peace to read this book and turn to the Lord.  He will give you peace.