Where does success come from?

Sometimes, there are obvious miracles.

Things that are unexplainable, grand, and inspiring.

But I have found that most of the time, my success comes from my hard work, my desire to learn, and my application of knowledge.

… so is that taking God out of the equation to acknowledge that?

Let’s look at Captain Moroni’s battle against Zarahemnah’s Lamanite troops.

Moroni and Lehi had surrounded the Lamanites and were asking for their surrender. Moroni verbally expressed that he knew the Nephite armies had prevailed because of their faith in God.

Zarahemnah’s response as he was surrounded by Nephite armies?

“We do not believe that it is God that has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it is your cunning that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is your breastplates and your shields that have preserved you.” (Alma 44:9)

In other words, “Moroni, it certainly wasn’t a god who helped you. You just wore armor and were very smart about your battle plans – that’s why you won!”

What Zarahemnah did not know is that Moroni had gone to the high priest Alma in order to find out where the Lamanite armies were going and how they should attack.

Moroni was cunning and brilliant with his battle plans – because he had faith in God who showed him what to do.

And that armor they wore? The Nephites traditionally always had better defensive wear than the Lamanites. So I’m sure Moroni used his God-given brilliance to continue those same preparations.

Zarahemnah was partially right in his argument.

Moroni won due to his cunning and armor.

But Zarahemnah missed the big, obvious connection that Moroni attributed his cunning and armor to the One who gave him breath.

Using my talent and intellect to find success in this life is exactly what God intends me to do with my gifts.

But He also wants to make sure I don’t lose sight, like Zarahemnah did, of where all of my power comes from.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black