Helaman 3:35 tells us how the righteous Nephites not only withstood persecution, but were purified during that time. I'm going to attempt to analyze and "liken" each phrase.
Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft (Why should I restrict my fasting to once a month on Fast Sunday?), and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility (Strong humility almost seems like an oxymoron until we understand it thoroughly. There can be great strength in humility, which I'm missing out on.), and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ (Faith in Christ is a commandment, but also a blessing, a result of obedience and prayer. I can't give myself faith. The Lord gives it to me when I earn it.), unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation (I want my soul to be filled with joy and consolation! Consolation for trials being experienced as well as for past sins repented of and joy in the Gospel, in the Lord, in life, in love.), yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts (According to what I learned at Education Week, sanctification and the purifying of our hearts comes through the Atonement. We are purified and sanctified--made saints-- as we repent and obey the commandments and become more like Him), which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. (The simplest and most difficult of all things He asks me to do. I need to give up my own will, my own choices and wants and selfish desires and learn to want what He wants, what He chooses.)
There. That was fun.
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