Seminary
Alma 14: “Be It According to the Will of the Lord”

“Alma 14: ‘Be It According to the Will of the Lord,’” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Alma 14,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Alma 14

“Be It According to the Will of the Lord”

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Alma and Amulek imprisoned

Because we live in a fallen world, many people are treated harshly and unfairly. As Alma and Amulek taught the gospel of Jesus Christ in the city of Ammonihah, wicked people tormented the believers and put them to death by fire. Alma and Amulek were then imprisoned and severely persecuted. The purpose of this lesson is to help you trust in the Lord when facing hardship, suffering, and unfairness.

Mortal challenges

Read the following statement by Elder Anthony D. Perkins of the Seventy:

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Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Regardless of where you live, physical or emotional suffering from a variety of trials and mortal weaknesses has been, is now, or will someday be part of your life. (Anthony D. Perkins, “Remember Thy Suffering Saints, O Our God,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 103)

  • What are some different ways we can respond to trials?

Alma 14 is an account of righteous people who experienced severe trials. Most of these trials were forced upon them by people who misused their agency. As you study, consider how the truths you discover from the examples of Alma, Amulek, and other righteous people can help you respond to trials now and in the future.

List the following names in your study journal. Write what you learn next to the appropriate name.

  • Alma and Amulek

  • Zeezrom

  • Believers in the word of God

Read Alma 14:1–9, looking for examples of the suffering different people experienced. You may also want to watch the video “Zeezrom Believes, and the Righteous Are Persecuted” (3:51), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

  • What questions might you have if you experienced trials like some of these people’s?

Trusting in the Lord

We can respond in many ways when we experience suffering or witness the suffering of others. Read Alma 14:10–11, looking for how Amulek and Alma responded to the suffering of the believers.

  • Have you ever wanted to save yourself or others from the pain of a trial, as Amulek did? Why?

  • What do you learn about God from Alma’s response in verse 11?

Read Alma 14:12–13, looking for a truth Alma taught about how to respond when we experience suffering.

  • How did Alma’s words show trust in the Lord?

  • What principle can we learn from Alma’s example?

One principle we can learn is when we experience trials and suffering, we can choose to trust in the Lord no matter the outcome. Consider recording this principle in your study journal and marking the phrase “Be it according to the will of the Lord” in your scriptures.

  • In what ways do you think trusting in the Lord is a choice?

  • How might you apply the phrase “Be it according to the will of the Lord” to something you are currently experiencing?

Think about your life and circumstances. What do you do when you or those you love experience persecution, trials, or unfairness? Respond to the following statements with always, sometimes, or never.

  1. I trust in the Lord’s will and timing when praying for relief from my trials.

  2. I faithfully seek patience and understanding when life seems unfair.

  3. I center my faith in Jesus Christ and His eternal promises rather than in a particular outcome I hope for.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a perspective that can help us trust the Lord during our trials. Watch the video “Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness” from time code 9:02 to 9:33, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org, or read the following:

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Elder Quentin L. Cook

We all participated in the councils of heaven that provided for moral agency, knowing that there would be mortal pain and even unspeakable tragedy because of the abuse of agency. We understood that this could leave us angry, bewildered, defenseless, and vulnerable. But we also knew that the Savior’s Atonement would overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life and bring us peace. (Quentin L. Cook, “Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 33–34)

  • What have you learned that can help you when you experience suffering or become aware of the suffering of others?

It is important to remember that if you are being hurt or abused in any way, you should seek assistance from a parent or Church leader so they can help you resolve the problem. The Lord loves you and wants you to feel peace and happiness.

Continuing with faith and trust in the Lord

After Alma and Amulek were forced to witness the burning of the righteous believers, they were mocked, beaten, and imprisoned by the rulers of Ammonihah (see Alma 14:14–17).

Read Alma 14:18–29, looking for how Alma and Amulek trusted in the Lord during their suffering. You may also want to watch the video “Alma and Amulek Are Miraculously Delivered from Prison” (2:45), available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

  • How did Alma and Amulek continue to trust in the Lord during their afflictions?

Who do you know?

  1. Complete the following in your study journal. 

    Think of someone in your life who strives to trust the Lord during trials and afflictions. What can you learn from his or her example? What similarities do you see between this person’s response and how Alma and Amulek responded to adversity?

    Write one or two specific things you can do to better trust in the Lord when life is difficult or seems unfair. Consider placing what you write somewhere you will see it often.