The Book of Ether (in the Book of Mormon) sometimes feels like an afterthought to me. You get through this detailed and profound record of the Lamanite and Nephite civilizations, their rise and fall, and the incredible visit of Christ to the Americas, and then you get to the Book of Ether- most of which simply recounts the genealogy of the Jaredite civilization, and quickly skims over their ~1500 year history of throne changes. It feels a little bit out of place to me sometimes.

But I absolutely love all the symbolism in the story of the brother of Jared traveling to the promised land that’s recorded in the Book of Ether. There are SO many jewels of knowledge and insight to be found there. And if for that story alone, the Book of Ether is sooo worth it. And I discovered a new insight (to me) last night as I was reading in Ether Chapter 6.

First to recount- Jared and his brother and all their family and kinsfolk, around the time the languages were confounded at the tower of Babel, followed God’s commands and prepared vessels and provisions, and then boarded their ships to travel from the old world to a new promised land where they could be free to prosper and worship the Lord God. They weren’t steering those boats. God was directing them. Can you imagine hopping into one of those vessels with no map or compass or way to steer and just trusting God that He would take care of it all? Wow. It took an incredible amount of preparation and faith.

So they set off into the sea…

5 And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind.

6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

Things were not easy. Those vessels were literally tossed about the sea with a fury and rushed along their way. We also learn in the same chapter that they traveled like this for some 344 days. That is almost a full year of seafaring. Again, wow.

And we do know that at times, even though they were being watched over and protected, it became a bit much for them.

7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. (italics added)

After they’d been traveling and buried for some time they’d call to God and ask to be delivered up, and He would deliver them. But the course was still set and they still had to ride the storms. That tumultuous ride was essential to their being brought to the promised land. And I think they knew that truth deep in their hearts, because the next verses tell us about how they sang and praised God and thanked Him all the while they were journeying. (verse 9) And when they arrived, they shed tears of joy and thanked God again for His tender mercies. (verse 12)

Are you seeing the comparisons yet? That long seafaring journey can be compared to our earthly lives, especially when times are dark and difficult. We know that it’s part of God’s plan to have us come here and that the conclusion of His plan is our returning to His presence again, just like it was His plan for the Jaredites to be taken to a promised land. He knew it would be difficult because we would be tried and proven and experience life in its awful entirety in order to learn and develop.

But He prepared a way for us to travel as safely as possible in this life. Just like he gave the Jaredites provisions, stones to give them light, tight strong vessels, etc., He’s also given us help in the form of a bountiful earth, prophets, scriptures, Jesus Christ and His atonement, medicine, science, and families to name a few.

But physically being in His presence again is only part of the equation. His whole purpose and work and glory is to help us progress, and to become like Him. I have understood more and more that its these intensely difficult times that really push us along the path to becoming more like Him and who He wants us to become.

However, we can absolutely feel tossed about and buried under fear and doubt. Some of the trials we go through can seem exhausting, terrifying, and relentless. But they are essential. Just like how the Jaredites knew they had to ride those terrible storms because it was those very storms that were taking them closer to the promised land, our own trials and storms are like an accelerated learning course which develop faith and character and take us one step closer to who God wants us to be and then keep us on course to arriving in His presence again.

It doesn’t matter if the storms in our lives are brought on by our own actions, or the actions of others. It doesn’t matter if you believe something was God’s will or not. What matters is- there is opportunity for growth and meaning in all things.

I know God knows how hard this process is, despite the preparation and tools He’s given us. So just like the Jaredites, we can also plea for the storms to stop and He will listen. I know sometimes He listens but He doesn’t take away the storm. I do think He’s often hoping we’ll be willing to ride the storms a little longer in order to get us closer to where we need to be, and who we need to be.

It’s in those moments He’s saying, look to the light. Look to the Savior and hold on a little longer. You’re on your way.