We talk so much about how he can poison by degrees. ⁣

In Helaman Chapter 1, we learn that Moronihah had his troops positioned in the outermost areas of the Nephite lands. ⁣

That makes sense, right? ⁣

The land closest to the Lamanites = greatest fortification. ⁣

In my life, I tend to put the greatest fortification on the things that I assume will be attacked the most, too. ⁣

I know how easy it is to have my spirit numbed by watching offensive media – so I make sure I’m attentive. ⁣

I know how easy it could be for Satan to get me to dwell in self-pity, jealousy, or hatred – so I unfollow anyone who evokes those emotions. ⁣

My efforts are there because I know those are easy wins for the adversary.

But…⁣

Sometimes, Satan is bold. ⁣

Sometimes, he skips the easy wins and goes straight for the heart. ⁣

I’ve had two major experiences like this in my life. Where suddenly and unexpectedly, my very core beliefs were being attacked and I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to hold up. ⁣

Coriantumr led the Lamanite armies past the outskirts of the Nephite lands. He didn’t even try to attack those first.

Moronihah had all of his defense in the outer cities, and the Lamanites marched with great speed right past them. ⁣

They went straight for Zarahemla. The capital city. ⁣

The city fell. ⁣

And sometimes Satan marches past the little sins, the small temptations…⁣

And he goes straight for those core beliefs. ⁣

Do I really believe in God?⁣

Do I believe that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for me?⁣

Do I believe in a well-designed plan that is meant to bring me growth and joy? ⁣

Do I believe that the Book of Mormon is true?⁣

Do I believe that this Church is the vessel for priesthood keys, ordinances and covenants?

These core questions that I often think are safe and secure from enemy attacks, actually need reinforcements from time to time. ⁣

Yes, the outskirts are important.

The “easy wins” are where the enemy attacks most of the time. ⁣

But I can’t forget to build up those core, essential beliefs, too, no matter how unlikely it seems like they would ever fall.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Sometimes, Satan isn’t subtle  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Or prayed that you could sleep well, and then you do?⁣

Or prayed that you’d be able to get everything done before your deadline, and then you do?⁣

There are a lot of prayers that God answers without fanfare or drama. ⁣

These answers are difficult to recognize because they look like natural things happening.

They make us think, “Eh, that would have happened whether or not I prayed about it.”

When… maybe it wouldn’t have.

After years of praying and pleading for help from the people in Zarahemla, King Limhi and his people had a group of strangers arrive in their land.

A case of mistaken identity led to King Limhi preparing to put this group of strangers to death.

Right before putting them to death, though, King Limhi makes the shocking discovery that these strange wanderers were the answer to their prayers!

“Now, I know of a surety that my brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla are yet alive. And now, I will rejoice.” (Mosiah 7:14)

He almost missed the answer to their prayers.

But he caught it just in time, and the reunion was joyful.

Are we missing any answered prayers in our lives?

Are we looking for dramatic fanfare?

For things that seem impossible?

Ordinary but still miraculous answers are all around us.

We have strength to get through the day. We drive safely. Our kid is comforted. We find an answer to a question. Our kids are kind to each other.

It’s so easy to miss them.

But so often, it’s how God answers prayers.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Ordinary answers  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.