Nephi and his family faced many challenges in the wilderness. Yet, the Lord provided them with guidance and direction to make it to the promised land. This FHE lesson helps us discover ways the Lord may be directing us and how to recognize the small and simple things that will bring to pass great things.
Scripture
And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.
Hymn
Let the Holy Spirit Guide | Hymn #143
1. Let the Holy Spirit guide;
Let him teach us what is true.
He will testify of Christ,
Light our minds with heaven’s view.
2. Let the Holy Spirit guard;
Let his whisper govern choice.
He will lead us safely home
If we listen to his voice.
3. Let the Spirit heal our hearts
Thru his quiet, gentle pow’r.
May we purify our lives
To receive him hour by hour.
Lesson
FOR CHILDREN
Begin the lesson by giving every child a piece of paper. Tell them they must make a boat out of the paper. Attempt to float their paper boats in a tub or sink of water. Then, give them another piece of paper and walk them through step by step instructions to make a paper boat. You can find many simple instructions online. Choose one you like and feel confident in. After seeing if the boats float, begin the lesson.
Ask: Was it easier to make a paper boat the first time or the second time? Why?
Read aloud: Just as it was easier to make a boat when we had instructions, living the gospel is easier when we try to follow God’s instructions for us. Nephi and his family learned this in the Book of Mormon as they journeyed through the wilderness.
The Lord didn’t give them a detailed travel plan, telling them exactly where they were going and how they would get there. But he gave them a special compass, the Liahona. The Liahona worked according to their faith and provided them daily directions. Just as they needed to know where to travel to reach the promised land on the ship they built, the Lord can help us too.
Ask: What are some of the ways the Lord directs us in our lives? [prayer, priesthood blessings, personal revelation, prophets]
Read aloud: Sometimes, we want the Lord to talk to us loudly and tell us everything we need to know right away. However, the Lord uses small things to bring about great things. Little by little, we will be led to the promised land.
Ask: How can we do better at following Jesus Christ?
Finish the lesson by sharing any personal experiences and bearing your testimony.
FOR TEENS & ADULTS
Begin the lesson by asking the group the question below. Record the answers on a board if you are able to.
Ask: What are some of the ways the Lord can guide us in our lives?
Read aloud: As we strive to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can receive guidance and direction. However, it can be difficult and even discouraging when we aren’t able to see our entire path or even our destination. Nephi and his family experienced some of these feelings but learned the Lord’s ways are not our ways.
When given the Liahona, they learned it worked according to their faith and gave them new directions each day on how to travel through the wilderness to reach the promised land.
Have someone read 1 Nephi 16:29:
And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.
Ask: What can we learn about revelation and guidance from Nephi’s experience with the Liahona?
Share a time in your life when you were led by the Lord. Have anyone in the group share their own experiences.
Ask: How can we trust the Lord’s guidance in our own life, especially when it seems we aren’t receiving guidance at all?
Share your testimony.
FOR SINGLE STUDY
As you read through 1 Nephi 16-18, make a list of all the challenges Nephi and his family faced Then, pay attention to how Nephi responded and what ways the Lord provided for them in the midst of these challenges. Reflect on the challenges you are going through and how the Lord may be helping you.
Featured Products
Treat
TreatFerrero Rocher Cupcakes
Make or buy your favorite type of cupcake. We suggest chocolate to go with the flavors of a Ferrero Rocher truffle. Top the cupcakes with the beautifully wrapped golden candies. You can use these decorations to hearken to the shape and color of a Liahona.
Activity
ActivityBook of Mormon Video
Watch the Book of Mormon video of this story as a family or group.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
