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The Content:

Alma 43

Verse 23

But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites.

The Comments:

I love this verse!

The second the Lamanites retreated, Moroni did two things:

1)    He sent spies after the Lamanites

2)    He sent someone to the prophet, Alma, to have Alma inquire of the Lord where to send Moroni’s armies to defend the land

The verse specifically states, “as soon as.” Moroni did not waste time. At all.

It reminds me of the saying (not sure where it started or who said it first) “Work like everything depends on you, and pray like everything depends on the Lord.”

I think it’s easy to get caught up in one or the other and forget to balance both. Or spiritual lives are on the line every day, and this is the perfect model for being proactive in that battle. Do everything you can, and beg for help with the rest.

I’ve often wondered if Moroni didn’t think he was worthy to ask the Lord himself, or if he deferred to the prophet on such matters. Moroni is a spiritual powerhouse, after all, but it does show us a nice line of authority. Like Nephi when he went to his father about where to go in the wilderness to look for beasts to kill for food. (See 1 Nephi 17:14-31)