In his blessing upon his son Joseph, Lehi makes some promises and prophecies . Among them is the prophecy concerning the role of Joseph Smith. Included in the prophet's responsibilities are the preservation and bringing forth of the Book of Mormon, teaching Lehi's seed of their promises - manifesting to them the Messiah, leading the people, and writing in a powerfully persuasive manner.
he will do all this despite those who will seek to destroy him. Because he will be more powerful in writing than in speaking, he will be given a spokesman.
To a young, backwoods, unlettered boy these must have seemed impossible, but his promise was that "...out of weakness he shall be made strong..." (verse 13). Joseph Smith would have had many mental obstacles to overcome in order to fulfill those responsibilities. What gave him that strength to achieve?
I can't help but wonder what Joseph Smith, or any of us, did in the pre-existence to earn our foreordinations. The only thing I can think of is that whatever it was increased our faith. At 14 Joseph Smith had enough faith to SEE God. I think it had a lot to do with whatever work his Spirit had done before he was born.
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