Moroni’s Faith in Solitude

When I contemplate Moroni’s life and legacy, I find myself drawn deeply into his story, as if his experience of isolation speaks directly to certain areas of my own life. There are days when my own path seems shadowed, marked by the physical and social challenges that come with having various disabilities. Like Moroni, who stood as the last of his people, stripped of community, and burdened by the losses of family and friends, I, too, sometimes feel as though I am walking a solitary road. Moroni’s words come to mind during these times, echoing a familiar ache: “I even remain alone… I have not friends nor whither to go.” (Mormon 8:3, 5) Yet, Moroni, even in his solitude, found significant strength in the Lord and a comforting conviction that “the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on.” (Mormon 8:22) For me, this phrase offers a type of lifeline—a reminder that, though I may not always understand God’s plan, it is unfolding nonetheless, with or without my full understanding.

What strikes me most about Moroni is his determination to continue on. He had no visible encouragement, no community to rally around him, and he faced what must have felt like endless opposition. Yet he knew he was part of something larger, something of eternal significance, and he stayed focused on his mission to complete the record we now call the Book of Mormon. He poured his life into preserving this testament for a future people, believing it would eventually bring souls “to the knowledge of Christ.” (Mormon 8:16; 9:36) Despite being the last of his line, he wrote to future readers as if we were present, as though he knew that his words would indeed reach us one day. “I speak unto you as if ye were present,” he assured, “and I know that ye shall have my words.” (Mormon 8:35; 9:30) Every time I open the Book of Mormon, I think how Moroni’s conviction was not in vain. His words inspire me to persist, just as he did, holding to the faith that God’s work will continue, with or without my clear view of His purposes.

In those moments when I feel most alone, I find comfort in the Scriptures. Moroni is not the only servant of God who endured intense loneliness and isolation. I think of Elijah, who, after a fierce struggle to bring Israel to repentance, despaired that he alone remained faithful, exclaiming, “I, even I only, am left.” (1 Kings 19:10) Elijah’s heart must have been heavy with a sense of abandonment, much like mine has been at times. But God assured him that he was not as alone as he thought, reminding him of others who still stood by Jehovah. Then there is Paul, whose ministry was marked by rejection and betrayal, yet he testified, “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me… Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17) In these examples, I see a pattern—even when human support faltered, divine support never wavered.

In my own trials, I draw courage from these scriptural experiences. They teach me that Heavenly Father sees the isolated soul, the weary heart, and the one who feels left behind. Like Moroni, Elijah, and Paul, I know that when human companionship fails, the companionship of the Spirit remains. God’s purposes, though sometimes obscured by pain or hardship, are unfolding, and He invites me to trust in His strength. As I read the words of those who went before me, I am reassured that I am never truly alone. God knows my heart, He hears my struggles, and He offers His presence—a presence that is steady and eternal—through every trial.