“Staying Alive to Fulfill Your Mission in a Murderous World” by grego

“Staying Alive to Fulfill Your Mission in a Murderous World”
(c) 2019 grego

From As I read the story of Naboth (1 Kings 21) back in February, I was reminded of DC 89:
“4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation…”.
The deaths of many prophets, throughout the Book of Mormon, was also in my mind, and the existence and purpose of the secret combination.

I guess if your dying is part of God’s plan, that’s enough. But how does one continue to live to fulfill their mission, in the face of people like Jezebel and people in DC 89?

The principle of the Word of Wisdom promises:
18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

Isaiah’s words are great and powerful, and give sustenance for our faith. They have helped me many times.

Captain Moroni (Alma 46-62) and the Nephites (3 Nephi 3) show the need to think ahead, plan, prepare by doing, stay inspired and encouraged, be wary, use righteous trickery, and do our best.

The Nephites (3 Nephi 3) also show the need to pray:
“8 And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites, when they saw the appearance of the army of Giddianhi, had all fallen to the earth, and did lift their cries to the Lord their God, that he would spare them and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.
10 …the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection; therefore, when the armies of Giddianhi did rush upon them they were prepared to meet them; yea, in the strength of the Lord they did receive them.”

Alma, the Three Nephites, and others show that the desire to serve God and do good while we are on this earth are very helpful in receiving his help to stay alive and do so.
As Alma says (Alma 2):
“29 And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici with the sword, face to face; and they did contend mightily, one with another.
30 And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised with much faith, cried, saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people.
31 Now when Alma had said these words he contended again with Amlici; and he was strengthened, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the sword.”
The Three Nephites:
“4 And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them: What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father?
5 And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired.
[Jesus promised they will stay on earth to do His work until He comes again.]
9 … and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand.”