Thought of the Sunday 8

Nephi was a prophet in the Book of Mormon.  His family left Jerusalem about the time of Jeremiah and wandered in the wilderness before building a ship and traveling to the American Continent.  This was about 600 years before Christ was born.  He was a leader of his people, a prophet, seer and revelator.  He wrote scripture.  My spiritual thought comes from his words.  At the time he was praying to God, lamenting his weaknesses; knowing himself to be a man that naturally makes mistakes (sins) but doesn't want to make those mistakes.  He then rejoiced in Christ and the Atonement and in his ability to repent. 

2 Nephi 4:29

"Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions..."

I love this plea from Nephi.  We all have trials (or afflictions).  We all have tough times.  We are here to learn and grow and experience these things so we can become like God.  Nephi prays to God that he can continue in his faith and strength even when things are occurring that aren't great.  To me this scripture is really saying, 'Help me keep my faith strong even through hard times.'  And those hard times could be sins we've committed, things that have been done to us that are out of our control, or the natural consequences of living this life.  So as we go through life it is my hope that we can remember these words from Nephi and keep on going in faith, no matter what.