Parallels

There are many parallels to be found between the journey that Nephi took to the promised land and my journey through life to the Celestial Kingdom. Here are five that I have spent some time thinking about in the last couple of years:

NEPHI: Nephi went to the temple often (1 Nephi 18:3, 1 Kings 3:2), and the Lord showed him from time to time how to build the ship that allowed him to cross the ocean (1 Nephi 18:1). The ocean could be considered to be Nephi's greatest obstacle to reaching the Promised Land.
ME: If I go to the temple and pray to the Lord often, the Lord will show me, line upon line, how to overcome my greatest obstacles and weaknesses.

NEPHI: Many times, Nephi probably built part of the ship without knowing beforehand how it would work or be incorporated into the rest of the ship.
ME: The Lord will tell me things that I may not understand or see how to fit into my life. If I incorporate these things into my life with faith, the finished product will allow me to overcome my obstacles and reach my promised land.

NEPHI: Nephi was promised that if he kept the commandments, he would be guided towards the promised land (1 Nephi 17:4). Not only that, but he would know that he was led by the Lord.
ME: If I keep the commandments, God will show me how to grow closer to him. I will recognize the Lord's guidance in my life, and know that he is leading me.

NEPHI: After the Lord commanded Nephi to build a ship, Nephi asked the Lord where to find ore to make tools (1 Nephi 17:8-9). Nephi sought out raw materials, not a finished product.
ME: When the Lord gives me a commandment to build or accomplish something, I shouldn't expect him to give me a finished product. I need to seek out raw materials, make tools, and then put in the time and work it takes to build my ship.

NEPHI: Nephi's brothers opposed him, telling him that he could not build a ship (1 Nephi 17:19).
ME: I also will face opposition in my life when trying to build my "ship." I may be told that what I am trying to do is impossible, and that I am "lacking in judgement." I must persevere and have faith as Nephi did.

Well, I'm running out of time for this post. Perhaps I will continue these thoughts in another post in the near future. There are definitely more parallels to be written about.