She Was Comforted

The return of Nephi and his brothers brought much joy and celebration to Lehi and Sariah.  In 1 Nephi 5:1-8 we read of Sariah's worries and fear concerning her sons' safety and her joy at their return.

Lehi had a testimony of his calling, but Sariah was apparently only following him out of obedience or habit.  Then came her test.  Her sons were gone for possibly weeks or months.  What if they were dead?  Was Lehi really inspired to leave behind everything and head off into the wilderness, or was he a fool?  Sariah had to know these things for herself.  She needed great faith.  She was comforted by the words of Lehi and probably the Spirit, and when her sons returned, she had her faith confirmed and I'm sure she grew in testimony and power.  She was to have many more challenges and trials, and her mission lasted the rest of her life, but she now had more spiritual strength.

It seems to me a lot like our feelings when we left on our mission.  We worried about what we might need to do, about how our families would fare while we were gone, about whether or not we would be capable of doing all that was required of us. Sometimes as couples leave for their missions, the wife is more afraid than the husband.  Possibly, he filled a mission in his youth and she didn't.  He may have held more leadership positions through their lives; he may have had more time to study the Gospel. 

But the wife needs her own testimony of the work.  She needs to know that the Lord will build on her personal strengths and experiences, whatever those are.  She needs to "wax strong in the presence of God".  Spending time at the temple, fasting, personal prayer, scripture study - all of these things can bless her life and strengthen her testimony.  Then, as Sariah, she will be comforted.