Winning the Battles

Maybe some of you have wondered, like me, why the wars are recorded in the Book of Mormon. I am sure there are lots of explanations and things that we can gain from reading them. As I read Mormon 1 & 2 I noticed that the Nephites usually won the battles against the Lamanites, or else they ran away from them, here’s a quick rundown:

Abt 322AD
- There were many battles between the Nephites and the Lamanites, the Nephites won each of these battles.

Abt 327 - 330AD
- The Lamanites came into battle against the Nephites and the Nephites fled and went to fortify themselves against attack
- The Lamanties come again and drive them out of the next land
- Then there’s another big battle and a lot of bloodshed, the Nephites eventually win

Abt 345AD
- Lamanites attacked again and the Nephites fled again
– Then they were driven forth again.

Abt 346AD
- Lamanites attacked. Nephites won.
- Nephites attacked the Lamanites and won

I wondered why the Lamanites kept on attacking even though the Nephites mostly won the battles, surely they would’ve given up especially at the beginning when there were many battles and they lost every one?

I believe Satan deals with us the same way - just because we have beaten him, or a temptation one time, that doesn’t mean that’s it forever. Sometimes the battles are easy because the Lord is with, other times, we are ill-prepared and we have to flee to fortify ourselves, other times, serious damage is done. I remember not so long ago, thinking I had conquered a particular weakness, but realized that what I now thought was a strength was still be subject to attack. That was good for me to know. Satan is very persistent, and never gives up on us, but can never win, only as we let him – as we have the strength of the Lord on our side.

“But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;”
“Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.”
(Alma 13:28 - 29)