The Blessings of Affliction
I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father;
and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days,
nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days;
yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of
God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.
- The Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 1:1
"...and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days"
This is a pregnant clause; pregnant with understatement. It doesn't begin to express the suffering Nephi endured for his devotion to God.
Nephi not only suffered at the hands of his two eldest brothers, but at some point or another endured - at least - the murmurings of even his parents. There is a price to be paid for the things of God, else, how are they to be valued?
The strength and sheer weight of this clause is not apparent to the new reader of The Book of Mormon. The lesson for us is that there is a counterbalance, for from the next phase comes this:
"...nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days..."
- The Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 1:1
And from Hebrews 11:6:
"...he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him..."
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