nephi's advantage

"I have often thought that Nephi’s being bound with cords and beaten by rods must have been more tolerable to him than listening to Laman and Lemuel’s constant murmuring. Surely he must have said at least once, “Hit me one more time. I can still hear you.” Yes, life has its problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland’s maxims for living—no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse."

The Tongue of Angels  

By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

1 Nephi 3:28-31

I think every mom gets that too.  

Before the main part of the journey begins, Nephi is given an advantage. He tried to share it. Sam and Zoram accept the advantage from Nephi. It still required work and faith but it had to help them through all the trials. Here it is: Nephi has seen it all.  

1 Nephi 12:1

He saw his posterity and the posterity of his brothers and Zoram in the land of promise. He knows they make it. He knows that they not only survive but thrive.

It feels a little like a patriarchal blessing. We've been made promises. We just have to remain faithful, repent, and correct our course when necessary. The promises are there waiting for us. We just have to go and do.

1 Nephi 3:7