Tender Mercies and Miracles

1 Nephi 1:20 - "And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away.  But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty, even unto the power of deliverance."

For me, the phrase "tender mercy" is synonymous with the word "miracle".  How many times in our lives do we find that things 'just worked out' or were 'coincidences'.  I don't believe in coincidences.  I believe in the hand of the Lord, leading us in our lives.

So many times in the Book of Mormon, we've seen the miracles that God has worked.  At the end of verse twenty, we see the word deliverance.  That is the main message and theme of the Book of Mormon.  Deliverance through the mercies and miracles of God.  The Lord blesses the faithful and obedient.

The Bible Dictionary tells us that miracles teach divine truths.  What things am I learning from the miracles and mercies that God is giving to me?  Am I using these experiences to teach my family?  Am I using them to build my testimony of my Heavenly Father?  Am I recording these experiences so that I may call upon them at a later date?

He is the Master and Teacher.  He is our Friend and Deliverer.  The Lord provides us with so many tender mercies, especially during our times of need.  It's often looking back that we see the exact moments where a big one came.  I have been trying to see God's hand in my life each and every day.  I truly want to see the miracles he performs in my life.  I challenge you do to the same.  I know the Lord is mindful of us.  


What experiences have you had with seeing tender mercies and miracles in your life?

"I delight in the Lord's mercies and miracles.  I know that His tender mercies and His miracles, large and small, are real.  They come in His way and on His timetable.  Sometimes it is not until we have reached our extremity.  Jesus's disciples on the Sea of Galilee had to toil in rowing against a contrary wind all through the night before Jesus finally came to their aid.  He did not come until the "fourth watch," meaning near dawn.  Yet He did come.  My testimony is that miracles do come, though sometimes not until the fourth watch." -Susan W. Tanner