Living by the scriptures
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Behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree. — 1 Nephi 8:30
I was raised in the Church. In Primary I used to sing "Hold to the rod," but only in the last two or three years have I come to understand what that little phrase really means.
I learned this lesson the hard way: I let go of the iron rod. I was lured away by the revelry and merriment of that great and spacious building. I felt as if I were standing at the edge of that awful gulf and gazing into the depths of hell.
I was in a very precarious and frightening position. I felt that any second I would lose what uncertain footing I had. I wanted so much to turn back, undo the mistakes I had made to bring me to that terrible place, but I couldn't move; I was stuck on the edge, paralyzed by fear.
As I was discussing my dire situation with a caring, inspired priesthood leader, he told me that I could reach the iron rod even from my seemingly hopeless standing.
That night I read Lehi's dream in 1 Nephi chapter 8. As I came to verse 30, I stopped as the impression came to my mind, "Lehi saw you in that multitude." I was overwhelmed by the feeling of hope and strength that came to me.
That verse was the hand of divine mercy that reached out and snatched me off the edge. It led me back to the iron rod. Since then, I have held to the rod. I have not gone a single day without the scriptures in my life. I hope and pray that I will have the strength to press forward until I, too, fall down and partake of the fruit of the tree. — Elder Scott C. Thompson, Kenya Nairobi Mission
