Helaman 1-6

Nephi and Lehi, both sons of Helaman, were so full of powerful faith; heaven sent down a ring of fire when they were imprisoned. Through miracles, they converted whole crowds of thoroughly bitter, skeptical people who were antagonistic to the Church. They were unstoppable.

The big question is how does anyone acquire this level of faith? Nephi and Lehi’s father, Helaman, handed them the keys to open this door via mighty sermons. How fortunate for us, Mormon thought to record his instructions to his two sons!

1st Key ~ The Rock

Know who the “Rock” is and what role He offers to play in our daily lives. He invites us to enjoy a personal closeness if we accept Him and seek Him. Helaman 5:12 is one of my most revered verses in the Book of Mormon. This gem has focused me back on the big picture multiple times.

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. (Helaman 5:12)

A look at 3 of the keywords from this verse may help open up our insight even more.

foundation: groundwork, infrastructure, or support.
shaft: bolt of lightning, can also mean arrow or spear
rock (as a foundation): anchor, mainstay, defense, protection, strength

Bonus content: If you would like more helpful details about developing a relationship with the Savor – see link at the end of this article.

2nd Key ~ Divide Asunder With Words

This verse may be one of the most compelling confirmations of the effectiveness and intensity we unleash into our lives with regular scripture reading. Admittedly, “read your scriptures” does sound a bit like a schoolmarm cliché – but take a look at what Helaman says about it?

29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out. (Helaman 3:29-30)

asunder: apart, into pieces, to shreds

There is more power and promise in the scriptures than we might have guessed. Why? Perhaps it is because the biggest discovery in the scriptures is yourself. The standard works are intentionally coded to spiral each one of us upwards on a progressive journey to a phenomenal, empowered version of ourselves. The mysteries of God are purposed to both be uncovered and to grow you.

Above all, they literally get you to the right hand of God if you intentionally take advantage of them.

Note: If you would like to be prompted to read one hand-picked verse daily from the current “Come Follow Me” lesson – please join the Facebook group below.

3rd Key ~ Wax Stronger & Stronger

While the 3rd key may not be a surprise, the way Helaman describes prayer and fasting along with its counterparts is descriptive, clear and motivational. Can you imagine someone like Helaman teaching your family scripture study?

Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. (Helaman 3:35)

Looking at word definitions, especially words I don’t use everyday, helps me absorb an important verse even more.

wax: multiply, magnify
humility: strength, purpose and vigor yet thankful, approachable and lowly of heart like the Savior (gospel definition)
consolation: comfort, encouragement, relief
purify: clean, purge, wash
sanctification: the process of being made holy
yield: surrender, submit

Prayer and fasting are powerful processes that move us upward and help us master noteworthy eternal traits. Helaman makes a list:

Humility (the strong, effective kind like Christ)
Firmer Faith
Joy
Consolation
Purification
Sanctification

Takeaway

The three keys to developing powerful faith like Nephi and Lehi are 1) develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and make him a part of your every day life. 2) Develop the skill of loving and searching scriptures. 3) Upgrade the frequency and quality of your prayers and fasting.

Relationship With Christ