Just When You Need It, Hope

When my husband’s brother passed away, we spent the day at the hospital saying goodbye, mourning with family, crying all the tears we could shed, and trying to process our grief. He was gone.

We went home to our devastated children with swollen eyes and heavy hearts. And an empty kitchen. I hadn’t done grocery shopping and it was now Saturday evening. Exhausted, I prepared to head to the store.

Then a knock came at the door. Dinner. And another knock, some groceries, “just to get you by the next couple days.” I cried.

Over the next few days, more kindness, more angels. Every little thought lifted us.

Despite the pain, we were in a pocket of love. People mourned with us, comforted us, strengthened us. They shared our burden. Brought us hope.

We all know the story of the army of Helaman. But what about the army of Antipus?

When Helaman found them, “they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind. And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die.” Alma 56:16

They’d given everything they had. They were in despair.

Then comes Helaman and his “little force.” This brings “great hopes and much joy.”

Just when they needed it, HOPE. Just when they needed it, STRENGTH. Just when they needed it, JOY.

They fortify together, they plan together, but when their plan leads to a battle between the Lamanites and the army of Antipus, they end up in trouble. Antipus and other leaders are killed. Everyone is “weary” and “confused because of the fall of their leaders,” and they “began to give way before the Lamanites.”

But then, again! Helaman’s army SHOWS UP.

They had no idea what awaited them, but with courage and faith, they turn back and fight, rescuing the army of Antipus. Then, working together, they win.

God and his angels, seen and unseen, show up right when we need it most. In our darkest hour. In ways big and small. To share our burden. To pick us up. To move us forward.

Do not give up.

“God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth.” Alma 56:46