The Book of Ether is a treasure trove of lessons about faith, revelation, and trust in God’s guidance. Nestled toward the end of the Book of Mormon, these chapters recount the journey of the Jaredites—a group led by the Brother of Jared—who embarked on a divinely guided quest to reach a promised land. Along the way, they encountered challenges that required extraordinary faith, creative problem-solving, and a whole lot of patience.
For those willing to dive into their story, Ether 1–5 offers insights not only about ancient seafarers but about navigating the storms and uncertainties of life today.
The Power of Turning to God for Guidance
In the opening chapter, we meet the Brother of Jared, a “large and mighty man” whose faith inspires divine intervention. Faced with the impending confounding of languages at the Tower of Babel, Jared turns to his brother with a bold request: “Cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound us.” The Brother of Jared does just that, and not only are their prayers answered, but their family and friends are spared as well (Ether 1:34–37).
The principle here is simple: When life gets confusing, start with prayer. Whether you’re trying to decide on a career path, figure out family dynamics, or solve daily dilemmas, God is ready to guide you. As President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen!”
Patience in God’s Timing
As the Jaredites traveled, they arrived at the edge of the sea—a major milestone. But instead of immediately crossing the waters, they stayed put for four years (Ether 2:13). This pause wasn’t part of their plan, and they grew complacent, forgetting to pray. The Lord chastened the Brother of Jared and reminded him that divine timing doesn’t mean inactivity; it means staying spiritually connected while waiting.
This principle of trusting God’s timing is one of the hardest to embrace. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf offers a reassuring reminder: “The promises of the Lord, if perhaps not always swift, are always certain. Trust in the Lord. Hold on in faith. The blessings will come to you.”
Faith Prepares the Way for Revelation
Perhaps the most iconic moment in Ether 1–5 is when the Brother of Jared presents 16 stones to the Lord. The stones, crafted by his own hands, are his proposed solution to the problem of traveling in darkness across the ocean. His faith was so great that, when the Lord touched the stones to make them shine, the Brother of Jared saw the very finger of God. This awe-inspiring event illustrates how faith opens the door to divine revelation (Ether 3:6–12).
President Nelson once said, “The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.” Like the Brother of Jared, we can seek light—whether literal or figurative—when we humbly act in faith and approach God with our needs.
Faith Brings Miracles
Faith isn’t just about seeing the Lord’s finger or receiving grand visions; it’s also about trusting that small, everyday miracles will happen. The Jaredites’ journey across the waters depended on faith-fueled light, divinely provided air, and carefully constructed barges. These miracles may seem small compared to parting seas or manna from heaven, but they demonstrate how God works in practical, meaningful ways.
President Thomas S. Monson summed it up perfectly: “Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith.”
Sharing Your Testimony
Ether 5 offers a different kind of lesson. Moroni, the final editor of the Book of Mormon, pauses the narrative to address future readers—especially Joseph Smith—and testifies of the sacredness of the record. He notes that three witnesses will testify of the truth of the plates and invites all readers to share in that testimony (Ether 5:2–4).
This call extends to us. Sharing what we know about God, whether through spoken testimony or quiet acts of faith, has the power to uplift and inspire. President Nelson has encouraged, “Share your testimony in word and in deed.”
How These Lessons Apply Today
The story of the Jaredites isn’t just about ancient ocean crossings or glowing stones. It’s about how we navigate life’s uncertainties, how we seek light in darkness, and how we learn to trust in God’s timing.
- Need guidance? Pray boldly and specifically, just as the Brother of Jared did.
- Feeling stuck? Trust that waiting is part of God’s plan and stay spiritually active.
- Seeking miracles? Step out in faith, even when the way forward isn’t clear.
- Have a testimony? Share it, and let others be strengthened by your light.
As Ether 12:6 reminds us, “Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” So, let’s embrace the trials, trust in the Lord, and look for the light He offers to guide us home.
