"Nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him"

The life of Alma the Younger offers so many insights and angles to study. Shortly after being made the chief judge and High Priest he realizes that the church is falling into disarray. A portion of the saints are ever faithful, giving, obedient and humble but another large portion of the church members are filled with pride and begin to lead converts on from one form of wickedness on to another. Alma sorrows greatly for the sins of his brethren and knows he must do something. I am sure he was completely overwhelmed and spent hours on his knees and poured through the scriptures for answers. In Alma chapter 4 verse 15 we read that despite his sadness and concern "the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him".

Alma makes an important decision. He will turn the political office over to another and focus wholly on his call as the High Priest of the church. I liken the next 13 chapters of Alma to our general conference and stake conferences with visiting authorities. Alma travels from church to church throughout the land to "set the churches in order". He teaches some of the most profound and clear sermons on the Atonement and how to access it's redeeming power. He bears powerful witness with Amulek of Christ's promised birth and ministry. He also sets a wonderful example of how to gain strength and access miracles through fasting and patient consistent obedience.

The next time you read Alma chapters 5 through 17 think of them as a conference issue of the Ensign. The teachings and testimonies are timeless and powerful.

I can witness with Alma that when hard times come, when we are filled with worry or sorrow, when we or someone we love suffer illness or tragedy, "the Spirit of the Lord will not fail [us]"! When things get hard read Alma's witness of the Savior's love and great Atonement (Alma 7: 7-12). Remember that there is no pain, no sorrow, no temptation, no sickness that He does not know personally and perfectly how to relieve. He bore our sorrows and griefs that He might know perfectly how to bring us peace and comfort. Turn to Him and Trust Him.