From the Come Follow Me Manual
The Lord guides me through small and simple means.
When God led Lehi’s family into the wilderness, He did not provide them with a detailed travel plan to the promised land. But He did give Lehi the Liahona to guide his family daily toward their destination. What has Heavenly Father given you to provide guidance and direction? What do you think it means that “by small means the Lord can bring about great things”? (1 Nephi 16:29).
As you read 1 Nephi 16:10–16, 23–31 and 18:11–22, consider making a list of principles that illustrate how God guides His children (for example, 1 Nephi 16:10 can teach that God sometimes guides us in unexpected ways). What experiences have you had with these principles?
See also Alma 37:7, 38–47; Doctrine and Covenants 64:33–34.
If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear, by Clark Kelley Price
Scriptures
Chapter 16
10 And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round aball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one bpointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness.
11 And it came to pass that we did gather together whatsoever things we should carry into the wilderness, and all the remainder of our provisions which the Lord had given unto us; and we did take aseed of every kind that we might carry into the wilderness.
12 And it came to pass that we did take our tents and depart into the wilderness, across the river Laman.
13 And it came to pass that we traveled for the space of four days, nearly a south-southeast direction, and we did pitch our tents again; and we did call the name of the place aShazer.
14 And it came to pass that we did take our bows and our arrows, and go forth into the wilderness to slay food for our families; and after we had slain food for our families we did return again to our families in the wilderness, to the place of Shazer. And we did go forth again in the wilderness, following the same direction, keeping in the most fertile parts of the wilderness, which were in the borders near the aRed Sea.
15 And it came to pass that we did travel for the space of many days, aslaying food by the way, with our bows and our arrows and our stones and our slings.
16 And we did follow the adirections of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness.
and
23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did amake out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my bfather: Whither shall I go to obtain food?
24 And it came to pass that he did ainquire of the Lord, for they had bhumbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul.
25 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father; and he was truly achastened because of his murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow.
26 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him: Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written.
27 And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were awritten upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives.
28 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the afaith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.
29 And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us aunderstanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by bsmall means the Lord can bring about great things.
30 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain, according to the adirections which were given upon the ball.
31 And it came to pass that I did slay wild abeasts, insomuch that I did obtain food for our families.
Chapter 18
11 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and abind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had bspoken concerning the wicked.
12 And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the acompass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work.
13 Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great astorm, yea, a great and terrible tempest, and we were bdriven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me.
14 And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore.
15 And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to asee that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.
16 Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did apraise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.
17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of aIshmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being bstricken in years, and having csuffered much grief because of their dchildren, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds.
18 Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their agrey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave.
19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also amy wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me.
20 And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their ahearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me.
21 And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I aprayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.
22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.
For Further Reading
Seminary Manual
1 Nephi 16:7–33
Lehi’s family is guided by the Liahona
Answer the following statements true (T) or false (F) in this quiz by circling your answers:
- Nephi married Ishmael’s oldest daughter.
- Lehi was given a compass-like ball called the Liahona.
- The round ball had four spindles that gave direction to Lehi and his family.
- After Lehi’s family received the ball, their journey in the wilderness was easy.
As you study 1 Nephi 16:7–10 and the chapter summary, review your answers to the first three questions (see also Alma 37:38). Read 1 Nephi 16:17–19 to determine if you answered the fourth question correctly. (The correct answers are at the end of this lesson.)
Even when we are obedient, we will still experience trials. Many of the trials we face are not the consequences of making wrong choices. Rather they come to us as a natural result of mortal life, but they give us the opportunity to learn and grow during our mortal journey, just as the Savior did (see D&C 122:7–8). One of our tests in life is how we respond to these trials.
Based on Nephi’s description of the ball in 1 Nephi 16:10, how might such a gift be helpful to Lehi and his family as they journeyed to the promised land? Find and mark how the Liahona benefited Lehi’s family in 1 Nephi 16:16.
Search 1 Nephi 16:20–22, and identify how some of Lehi’s family reacted when Nephi broke his bow. Study 1 Nephi 16:23–25, 30–32, looking for Nephi’s reaction to this trial. How did his reaction affect his family?
- Answer the following question in your scripture study journal: What are some things you have learned by comparing the different reactions of Nephi and his family to the same trial?
Rather than complaining, Nephi made a new bow and then sought guidance to know where to find food. Nephi’s example demonstrates that if we do all we can and also seek the Lord’s direction, then He will help us through our difficulties.
During these events, the Lord explained to Lehi how the Liahona worked. In 1 Nephi 16:26–29, look for what was required for the Lord to guide Lehi’s family through the Liahona.
- Imagine you are teaching a young child about the Liahona. In your scripture study journal, explain in simple terms how the Liahona guided Lehi’s family and what they had to do in order for it to continue guiding them.
- Answer the following question in your scripture study journal: How does the Liahona show us that “by small means the Lord can bring about great things”? (1 Nephi 16:29).
Like Lehi’s people, the Lord has provided you with many gifts to help you receive personal guidance. Read the following three statements concerning some of these gifts, and ponder how each of these gifts from the Lord is similar to the Liahona.
Patriarchal Blessing
President Thomas S. Monson referred to patriarchal blessings as a personal Liahona:
“The same Lord who provided a Liahona to Lehi provides for you and for me today a rare and valuable gift to give direction to our lives, to mark the hazards to our safety, and to chart the way, even safe passage—not to a promised land, but to our heavenly home. The gift to which I refer is known as your patriarchal blessing. Every worthy member of the Church is entitled to receive such a precious and priceless treasure. …
“… Your blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to be loved. It is to be followed. Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers. … Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your course and guide your way” (“Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 65–66).
The Scriptures and the Words of the Prophets
Elder W. Rolfe Kerr, who was then serving as a member of the Seventy, confirmed that the words of Christ and His servants are a spiritual Liahona: “The words of Christ can be a personal Liahona for each of us, showing us the way. Let us not be slothful because of the easiness of the way. Let us in faith take the words of Christ into our minds and into our hearts as they are recorded in sacred scripture and as they are uttered by living prophets, seers, and revelators. Let us with faith and diligence feast upon the words of Christ, for the words of Christ will be our spiritual Liahona telling us all things what we should do” (“The Words of Christ—Our Spiritual Liahona,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 37).
The Holy Ghost
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles compared the Holy Ghost and the Liahona: “As we strive to align our attitudes and actions with righteousness, then the Holy Ghost becomes for us today what the Liahona was for Lehi and his family in their day. The very factors that caused the Liahona to work for Lehi will likewise invite the Holy Ghost into our lives. And the very factors that caused the Liahona not to work anciently will likewise cause us to withdraw ourselves from the Holy Ghost today” (“That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2006, 30).
- Write in your scripture study journal two or three ways that a patriarchal blessing, the scriptures and the words of the prophets, or the Holy Ghost is like the Liahona.
- In your scripture study journal, describe a time when following the direction from one of the sources listed above led to your receiving guidance from the Lord?
1 Nephi 18:8–25
Laman and Lemuel lead a rebellion on the ship that hinders the voyage to the promised land
When we experience trials or hardships in life, it is common to wonder why we are facing such difficulties. Perhaps you or someone you know has asked “Why?” during a difficult time.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy identified three sources for the hardships we experience. As you read, underline the sources he describes.
“In a general sense, our burdens come from three sources. Some burdens are the natural product of the conditions of the world in which we live. Illness, physical disability, hurricanes, and earthquakes come from time to time through no fault of our own. …
“Other burdens are imposed on us by the misconduct of others. Abuse and addictions can make home anything but a heaven on earth for innocent family members. Sin, incorrect traditions, repression, and crime scatter burdened victims along the pathways of life. Even less-serious misdeeds such as gossip and unkindness can cause others genuine suffering.
“Our own mistakes and shortcomings produce many of our problems and can place heavy burdens on our own shoulders. The most onerous [difficult] burden we impose upon ourselves is the burden of sin. We have all known the remorse and pain which inevitably follow our failure to keep the commandments” (“That Your Burdens May Be Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 12–13).
After Nephi and his family began to sail to the promised land, they experienced many difficulties. As you study 1 Nephi 18, look for one of the types of suffering Elder Clayton discussed. Read 1 Nephi 18:9–11, and identify examples of wrong choices made by some of the people on the ship.
While it is not wrong to dance, listen to music, or have fun, 1 Nephi 18:9 indicates that they did these things “with much rudeness.” The word rude means to be harsh, vulgar, or coarse. Satan can use dancing, music, or the way we speak to corrupt our hearts and minds, causing us to lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
According to 1 Nephi 18:10, what did Nephi fear would happen if those who were rebelling did not repent? .
What did Nephi do about it? How would you respond if a parent or Church leader asked you to change the music you listen to, the way you dance, or to refrain from using foul language? Would you be willing to listen and to change?
Read 1 Nephi 18:12–14, 17–19, and look for the consequences of their rebellion. How did Nephi and other family members suffer as a result of the actions of others? Notice how the rebellious actions of some affected the entire group’s ability to receive guidance from God.
The actions of those who rebelled show us that sin leads to suffering for ourselves and sometimes for others as well.
- Some common temptations teenagers face today include being disrespectful to parents and leaders, cheating in school, gossiping, dressing immodestly, breaking the law of chastity, breaking the Word of Wisdom (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs), and viewing pornography. Select two or more of those temptations, and write in your scripture study journal how each might affect the family and friends of someone who gives in to the temptation.
The rest of 1 Nephi 18 teaches us how to respond when hardships come, whether they come from making bad choices or through no fault of our own. Read 1 Nephi 18:15–16, 20–23, and mark phrases that teach what to do in either situation.
There are several doctrines and principles illustrated in these verses. After each of the following statements, write the number of the verse or verses from 1 Nephi 18:15–16, 20–23 that you feel show an example of that truth:
- We can look to God and remain faithful during our trials.
- Prayer can help us find peace during our trials.
- Choose one of the verses you used in the preceding exercise that is especially meaningful to you, and explain in your scripture study journal why you like it. Include what you learned from the verse and what it taught you about responding to afflictions. If you have seen an example of what this verse teaches in your own or someone else’s life, write about that as well.
In spite of the hardships they faced, Nephi and his family eventually reached the promised land. As you seek the Lord’s direction and work diligently to follow it, you too can successfully complete the journey the Lord sent you to earth to fulfill.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton offered this testimony:
“No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or our own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him. The adversity and afflictions that are ours, however difficult to bear, last, from heaven’s perspective, for ‘but a small moment; and then, if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt [us] on high’ [D&C 121:7–8]. We must do everything we can to bear our burdens ‘well’ for however long our ‘small moment’ carrying them lasts. …
“… I know that as we keep the commandments of God and our covenants, He helps us with our burdens. He strengthens us. When we repent, He forgives us and blesses us with peace of conscience and joy” (“That Your Burdens May Be Light,” 13–14).
Institute Manual
1 Nephi 18:8–25
Laman and Lemuel lead a rebellion on the ship that hinders the voyage to the promised land
When we experience trials or hardships in life, it is common to wonder why we are facing such difficulties. Perhaps you or someone you know has asked “Why?” during a difficult time.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy identified three sources for the hardships we experience. As you read, underline the sources he describes.
“In a general sense, our burdens come from three sources. Some burdens are the natural product of the conditions of the world in which we live. Illness, physical disability, hurricanes, and earthquakes come from time to time through no fault of our own. …
“Other burdens are imposed on us by the misconduct of others. Abuse and addictions can make home anything but a heaven on earth for innocent family members. Sin, incorrect traditions, repression, and crime scatter burdened victims along the pathways of life. Even less-serious misdeeds such as gossip and unkindness can cause others genuine suffering.
“Our own mistakes and shortcomings produce many of our problems and can place heavy burdens on our own shoulders. The most onerous [difficult] burden we impose upon ourselves is the burden of sin. We have all known the remorse and pain which inevitably follow our failure to keep the commandments” (“That Your Burdens May Be Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 12–13).
After Nephi and his family began to sail to the promised land, they experienced many difficulties. As you study 1 Nephi 18, look for one of the types of suffering Elder Clayton discussed. Read 1 Nephi 18:9–11, and identify examples of wrong choices made by some of the people on the ship.
While it is not wrong to dance, listen to music, or have fun, 1 Nephi 18:9 indicates that they did these things “with much rudeness.” The word rude means to be harsh, vulgar, or coarse. Satan can use dancing, music, or the way we speak to corrupt our hearts and minds, causing us to lose the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
According to 1 Nephi 18:10, what did Nephi fear would happen if those who were rebelling did not repent? .
What did Nephi do about it? How would you respond if a parent or Church leader asked you to change the music you listen to, the way you dance, or to refrain from using foul language? Would you be willing to listen and to change?
Read 1 Nephi 18:12–14, 17–19, and look for the consequences of their rebellion. How did Nephi and other family members suffer as a result of the actions of others? Notice how the rebellious actions of some affected the entire group’s ability to receive guidance from God.
The actions of those who rebelled show us that sin leads to suffering for ourselves and sometimes for others as well.
- Some common temptations teenagers face today include being disrespectful to parents and leaders, cheating in school, gossiping, dressing immodestly, breaking the law of chastity, breaking the Word of Wisdom (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs), and viewing pornography. Select two or more of those temptations, and write in your scripture study journal how each might affect the family and friends of someone who gives in to the temptation.
The rest of 1 Nephi 18 teaches us how to respond when hardships come, whether they come from making bad choices or through no fault of our own. Read 1 Nephi 18:15–16, 20–23, and mark phrases that teach what to do in either situation.
There are several doctrines and principles illustrated in these verses. After each of the following statements, write the number of the verse or verses from 1 Nephi 18:15–16, 20–23 that you feel show an example of that truth:
- We can look to God and remain faithful during our trials.
- Prayer can help us find peace during our trials.
- Choose one of the verses you used in the preceding exercise that is especially meaningful to you, and explain in your scripture study journal why you like it. Include what you learned from the verse and what it taught you about responding to afflictions. If you have seen an example of what this verse teaches in your own or someone else’s life, write about that as well.
In spite of the hardships they faced, Nephi and his family eventually reached the promised land. As you seek the Lord’s direction and work diligently to follow it, you too can successfully complete the journey the Lord sent you to earth to fulfill.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton offered this testimony:
“No matter the burdens we face in life as a consequence of natural conditions, the misconduct of others, or our own mistakes and shortcomings, we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father, who sent us to earth as part of His eternal plan for our growth and progress. Our unique individual experiences can help us prepare to return to Him. The adversity and afflictions that are ours, however difficult to bear, last, from heaven’s perspective, for ‘but a small moment; and then, if [we] endure it well, God shall exalt [us] on high’ [D&C 121:7–8]. We must do everything we can to bear our burdens ‘well’ for however long our ‘small moment’ carrying them lasts. …
“… I know that as we keep the commandments of God and our covenants, He helps us with our burdens. He strengthens us. When we repent, He forgives us and blesses us with peace of conscience and joy” (“That Your Burdens May Be Light,” 13–14).
1 Nephi 16:10, 26–29. The Liahona
- Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the purpose of the Liahona and compared it to the Holy Spirit in our day:“The Liahona was prepared by the Lord and given to Lehi and his family after they left Jerusalem and were traveling in the wilderness (see Alma 37:38; D&C 17:1). This compass or director pointed the way that Lehi and his caravan should go (see 1 Nephi 16:10), even ‘a straight course to the promised land’ (Alma 37:44). The pointers in the Liahona operated ‘according to the faith and diligence and heed’ (1 Nephi 16:28) of the travelers and failed to work when family members were contentious, rude, slothful, or forgetful (see 1 Nephi 18:12, 21; Alma 37:41, 43).
“The compass also provided a means whereby Lehi and his family could obtain greater ‘understanding concerning the ways of the Lord’ (1 Nephi 16:29). Thus, the primary purposes of the Liahona were to provide both direction and instruction during a long and demanding journey. The director was a physical instrument that served as an outward indicator of their inner spiritual standing before God. It worked according to the principles of faith and diligence.
“Just as Lehi was blessed in ancient times, each of us in this day has been given a spiritual compass that can direct and instruct us during our mortal journey. The Holy Ghost was conferred upon you and me as we came out of the world and into the Savior’s Church through baptism and confirmation. By the authority of the holy priesthood we were confirmed as members of the Church and admonished to seek for the constant companionship of ‘the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you’ (John 14:17).“As we each press forward along the pathway of life, we receive direction from the Holy Ghost just as Lehi was directed through the Liahona. ‘For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do’ (2 Nephi 32:5).“The Holy Ghost operates in our lives precisely as the Liahona did for Lehi and his family, according to our faith and diligence and heed” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2006, 31; or Ensign, May 2006, 30–31).
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