It was February, in Metz, France. My mission president challenged us to read 2 Nephi 9 every day, for the entire month. I wondered about all the other things I could read to learn more and wondered what I would get out of the same chapter every day.

During that first week, I fell into reading it to just “check the box.” Slowly, I moved from just reading to contemplating and pondering.

These are the words of Jacob, Lehi’s first-born in the wilderness. He grew up traveling through the wilderness, with family fights that threatened murder. In 2 Nephi 6-8, Jacob quotes from Isaiah. He had learned to turn to scripture and the prophets. 

In 2 Nephi chapter 9, Jacob clarifies and testifies what he knows, and what he relies on. 

• God is merciful and just. 
• There is a plan.
• We can rely on God’s goodness, mercy, and grace.