In 1 Nephi 16:29, Nephi observes how the Lord led his family through the wilderness and across the seas to the promised land:
"And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."
The One-Degree Difference: A Lesson from a Sailor
My mission president—a man who built marinas and was an experienced sailor—taught us a powerful lesson about the importance of staying on course. He explained that if a ship’s course is off by just one degree, the change is nearly imperceptible at first. The ship still appears to be heading in the right direction.
But as the miles pass, the gap between the intended destination and the actual path grows wider. By the time the journey is complete, the ship may have missed its destination entirely.
Now imagine the opposite: A ship that begins slightly off course but makes small, consistent corrections along the way. Because the captain carefully realigns the ship, it arrives safely at its destination.
This analogy illustrates our spiritual journey on the covenant path. Just as a ship’s course can be altered by a single degree, our eternal trajectory is determined by the small choices we make daily.
The Small Means That Keep Us on the Covenant Path
The Savior is our Captain, and He has provided a map and compass to lead us safely home: His gospel and the covenants that we make with Him. When we exercise faith in Christ, repent daily, and make and keep sacred covenants, we receive His power, direction, and peace.
1. Exercising Faith in Jesus Christ
Faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel and the foundation of our spiritual journey. President Nelson shared:
"My decision to follow Jesus Christ is the most important decision I have ever made. … That choice has made all the difference!"
Faith is more than belief—it is trusting the Lord enough to act. When we pray, study His word, follow His example, and rely on His Atonement, we invite His power into our lives. Even if our faith is small, like a mustard seed, it has the power to move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
2. Repenting Daily
Just as a ship’s captain constantly adjusts the rudder to stay on course, we must consistently repent and seek the Lord’s forgiveness and guidance. The Savior’s Atonement allows us to change, improve, and realign our lives with His will.
President Nelson has urged us to discover the joy of turning our hearts to Christ:
“Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance.”
3. Making and Keeping Covenants with God
Covenants anchor our souls to Jesus Christ. When life’s storms come, our covenants keep us firmly connected to Him. President Nelson has taught:
“Making a covenant with God changes our relationship with Him forever. It blesses us with an extra measure of love and mercy. It affects who we are and how God will help us become what we can become.”
"The reward for keeping covenants with God is heavenly power—power that strengthens us to withstand our trials, temptations, and heartaches better. This power eases our way."
Seeing the Savior’s Hand in Our Journey
Over time, as we look back on our journey, we will recognize that those small, faithful choices were not insignificant at all. They were the very means by which the Lord brought about great things—transforming us into who He knows we can become and leading us and our families to our promised land, His heavenly home.
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