Helaman 4:15

"And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they did repent they did begin to prosper."
Helaman 4:15


God is so cool, it continually amazes me. :)  This is another scripture showing us that God matches our efforts with blessings, no matter where we are in the process.  Here, the Nephites were getting pretty wicked, and after this they get wicked again... but still, knowing that... as God knows all things... God blessed them.  As they repented, he helped them to prosper, and regain the lands that they had lost in the war.  As I read it this morning it reminded me that God recognizes and rewards *every* effort that we make... so no effort that we make is ever wasted.  As we continue through the ups and downs of life, God is continually beside us.  He rewards our efforts, and reinforces the positive things that we do.  Even if he knows that the current effort will be short-lived, he still reinforces our positive behavior... to the extent that if anyone looks back on their lives they can see the difference between the times that they were putting forth effort to improve and when they weren't.  He shows us, every day, that focusing on eternity is a good thing, and that we are happier when we are working to improve our daily lives.  We all have things to repent of... so today, try this experiment. :)  Repent.  ... and as you do, watch for God's hand in your life, matching your every effort. :)