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"For a Wise Purpose," Alma 37:1-7

Alma 37:1-7

On my initial reading of these verses, I've spent a lot of time reviewing the footnotes found in verses 6 and 7. On the word "small" I was brought Doctrine and Covenants 123:16-17, which reads:
You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.
Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
 I read last evening elsewhere about the power of a smile. And the Lord this morning seems to validating this thought, while also encouraging me on in my life's great (yet simple) mission.

Action Item: smile and cheerful do all things that are in your power, and leave the rest to God.

On a second day of study, my searches took me to contemplate the footnotes on "wise" purpose. I first went to the Topical Guide entry for Restoration of the Gospel. That lead me to a couple of similar Old Testament entries about the last days and the temple (Isaiah 2 and Micah 4). Being already familiar with Isaiah, I went to Micah. I was surprised at how similar the two texts were, so I began to look for differences.

It is hard to extract specific details of how the final events will transpire with the form in which Micah and Isaiah prophecy so far into the future, but two things in my mind are certain as I read this. 1) The Spirit confirms this reality that 2) Zion will be established and that the power of God will be upon its inhabitants.

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