“Many of the stories of the Book of Mormon are stories of deliverance. Lehi’s departure into the wilderness with his family was about deliverance from the destruction of Jerusalem. The story of the Jaredites is a story of deliverance, as is the story of the Mulekites. Alma the Younger was delivered from sin. Helaman’s stripling warriors were delivered in battle. Nephi and Lehi were delivered from prison. The theme of deliverance is evident throughout the entire Book of Mormon” (Elder L. Tom Perry, “The Power of Deliverance,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 94).
“In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you must remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “For Times of Trouble,” Ensign, January 1982
Principles of Deliverance
God’s power of deliverance is real
The size of the adversary is irrelevant (as is the skill/experience of your army)
Murmuring doesn’t help
God often delivers by empowering us
Repent, be humble, cry unto God, trust God, act in faith, keep the commandments, serve God and be patient (and others) to access God’s power of deliverance
Deliverance isn’t always immediate
Sometimes we are not delivered
Give thanks for God’s deliverance
Record and recall previous deliverance for future faith
The reason for our bondage
“The unique burdens in each of our lives help us to rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah (see 2 Nephi 2:8). I testify and promise the Savior will help us to bear up our burdens with ease (see Mosiah 24:15). As we are yoked with Him through sacred covenants and receive the enabling power of His Atonement in our lives, we increasingly will seek to understand and live according to His will. We also will pray for the strength to learn from, change, or accept our circumstances rather than praying relentlessly for God to change our circumstances according to our will. We will become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:14). We will be blessed with spiritual traction.” – Elder David A. Bednar, “Bear Up Their Burdens With Ease,” General Conference, April 2014