If We Do Not Doubt, God Will Deliver Us

The Stripling Warriors are some of the most heroic figures in the Book of Mormon. They courageously take up arms to defend their people and their land. These were young men, probably around the age of the missionaries who so valiantly serve in today's world. They were true disciples of Christ. In Alma chapter 53 verse 20 we read, "they were all young.and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, but also for strength and activity, but behold this was not all-they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted."

 I imagine many of these young men had never fought before. If I were in this situation and was thrown into this battle scene I'd probably be speared instantly. I wouldn't last two seconds on the battle front, but these soldiers had such exceeding faith that they knew the Lord would protect them.

Later in chapter 57 we learn a little bit more about their faith. Verse 21 reads, "they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea and even according to their faith it was done unto them."  They knew who to trust and they listened to the exact command and carried it out. A few verses later we read of a divine miracle.

 "And it came to pass there were two hundred out of my two thousand and sixty who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless according to the goodness of God and to our great astonishment and also the joy of our whole army there was not one soul of them who did perish."

Do you understand how miraculous this is?!This is a 2,000 man army full of teenagers who had probably never fought before and not a single one of them is killed on the battlefield. They were wounded. They endured the struggle, yet all of them survived.

I know that just as these soldiers had a commander of the army leading and guiding them through the uncertainty of war, we have a commander, even Jesus Christ who lovingly guides us through our battles in this life. If we listen to Him, and exercise faith, no matter the challenge we will be able to stay on the path. We will at times be wounded and have struggles yet if we trust in the Savior and the Father we will survive.

He will not leave us stranded on the battle field. He will be giving us commands every step of the way. He will run to us and aid us in this war of life. Of all people, He cares most. In a world full of competing voices, find His. Follow His. His voice is the most comforting, the most powerful, and the most loving voice there ever was. He is your Redeemer and mine. Your friend and mine. The commander of us all.