The term comfort zone has become a much-used idiom in today's society. It denotes that sphere of activity, association, circumstance or surroundings to which one is accustomed and wherein one thus feels a measure of contentment, confidence and well-being.

When we speak of a person being removed from his or her comfort zone, then, it generally means the person has been given some obligation or placed in some situation causing him or her to feel ill at ease, apprehensive, perhaps even distressed or fearful.

Dedicated Latter-day Saints know they can expect to be displaced from their comfort zones again and again. They also know that this is not necessarily a bad thing. Often, it is the means by which the work of God's kingdom moves forward, that His children are blessed and served and that men and women grow individually.

They come to understand that the insecurity that often attends such a challenge can be the kind that paralyzes or the kind that mobilizes, depending largely on the degree of courage one has.

They learn also that having courage, in large measure, is a function of conscious will and effort. Thus, the words to one of our beloved hymns enjoin us, in times of trial, "Gird up your loins; fresh courage take" ("Come, Come, Ye Saints," Hymns, no. 30).

In taking fresh courage when called upon to assume some difficult or daunting task or assignment, we can learn much from the experience of Nephi, who was commissioned by his father, Lehi, to obtain the brass plates of Laban. From a review of this incident recorded in 1 Nephi, the following points are apparent:

• Exercising faith promotes courage. When given the task by his father, Nephi's response contrasted with that of his brothers. He expressed confidence that it was, in reality, the Lord who was giving the assignment (see 1 Nephi 3:7.)

When called upon to fulfill some difficult or intimidating task in the Church, if we have the faith and testimony that the assignment comes from God, we can draw courage and peace from the sure knowledge that somehow, sometime, after diligent effort on our part, the Lord will open the way.

• A willing heart is a gift from God and hence, like all spiritual gifts, can be sought in prayer. Lehi was gladdened by Nephi's willingness to fulfill the commandment, "for he knew that (Nephi) had been blessed of the Lord" (1 Nephi 3:8).

When we feel less than enthusiastic about something we have been called to do, we can pray for a change of heart.

• We can draw courage from the scriptures. Nephi shored up the flagging faith of his brethren by reminding them of the Lord's might and mercy in delivering the ancient Israelites from the armies of Pharaoh (see 1 Nephi 4:2).

Recognizing that the covenant people of the scriptures were real men and women with real challenges who were blessed by the Lord, we can dare to hope that He will be similarly merciful to us as we confront our challenges, for, as Nephi affirms later in his record, "the course of the Lord is one eternal round" (1 Nephi 10:19).

• We can draw courage from previous spiritual experiences. Nephi reminded his brethren that they had been visited by an angel (see 1 Nephi 4:3). Remembrance of past personal blessings and inspiration from God can help us assuage present doubts (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:22).

• Even with the assurance of success, we should recognize that tenacity is required. Only after two failed attempts did Nephi and his brethren obtain the brass plates. Likewise, for whatever reason, we may have to endure false starts, setbacks, mishaps, frustration before ultimately achieving our righteous goals.

• We should recognize that some blessings may come in the very moment they are needed. In going to confront Laban, Nephi was "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which (he) should do" (1 Nephi 4:6).

Sometimes we are required just to proceed, trusting that the way will be opened before us as we rely on the Holy Ghost. A successful teacher of the gospel, for example, studies and prepares diligently, then leaves the lesson open-ended and flexible enough that he or she can be inspired "in the very moment" how best to impart a divine truth (see Doctrine and Covenants 24:6).

As Nephi drew strength and courage from reliance on the Lord and knowledge of His past dealings, may we do likewise as we reflect on Nephi's experience.