Like a Pebble in a Pond ~ The Impact of One Man's Testimony

Abinadi went to his death knowing that he had fulfilled his commission from God.  I often have wondered if he also felt that his words had fallen on deaf ears.  Little did he know of the huge impact his words would have, all because one man listened and believed him.  That man's name was Alma, a priest in King Noah's court.
 
The Book of Mormon begins the story this way:

But there was one among them whose name was Alma, he also being a descendant of Nephi. And he was a young man, and he believed the words which Abinadi had spoken, for he knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against them; therefore he began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace.  But the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma should be cast out from among them, and sent his servants after him that they might slay him.  But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken.  (Mosiah 17: 2-4)

Alma hid himself among the people and secretly began to teach the words of Abinadi to the people.  Many of them listened and believed.  They repented and began to follow God's commandments.

How often in life do we feel that our best efforts are wasted?  But, in truth, we may never know the lives we have touched just by being who we are and sharing of our testimonies and our love.  Because Abinadi preached the words God gave him, one man listened; because on man listened, wrote, and preached, many were saved.

 

Copyright August 2013, Gebara Education

 

Pictures:

Abinadi from www.lds.org

Alma from www.bookofmormonbattles.com

Ripples in a pond from www.theblogattheendoftime.blogspot.com