Alma 58:20 -- On Whatever It Takes

"And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had passed by, or when the army had passed by, Gid and Teomner did rise up from their secret places, and did cut off the spies of the Lamanites that they should not return to the city."

 Alma 58:20

Military strategies are covered extensively in the Book of Mormon, and sometimes people wonder why they are there. I've had different ideas over time... I think one of the reasons is to show the history, maybe the difference between the wars here and the ones in the Old Testament. Also probably there are some lessons about God approving of defending ourselves, but not in being the aggressor, which is mentioned several times. Perhaps also helping us to see that God's hand is in our lives, no matter what circumstances we are in.

I like the trickiness of some of the things that Helaman, Gid, and Teomner do here, working to win and to follow God despite being outnumbered and low on provisions. When God tells us that all things work together for good to them that love God (Roman 8:28, D&C 90:24, 98:3, 100:15, 105:40), all things include these things. God inspired Nephi and the Brother of Jared to build boats, but he also inspired Joshua and Captain Moroni to win battles... and he inspires us in our lives in totally different ways as well. Not everyone's path is the same in our earthly lives, even when we are walking the same spiritual path, towards God. :)

Today, let's remember that when we're walking God's path, he will inspire us to do whatever it takes to move forward and to do his will. Normally that isn't war, or anything similarly violent, but sometimes it is... and even then we need to make sure that we are putting God first, and acting in his way. As we do, we'll be okay, and no matter what, things will lead to the happy ending that God promises all of us.