And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel.
– 3 Nephi 29:2
In today’s verse from the Book of Mormon, we find a firm assurance that the words of the Lord, as spoken by His holy prophets, will come to fruition. This verse declares, “the words of the Lord, which have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled,” which serves as a reassuring reminder for all who seek hope and constancy in a world full of uncertainty. It’s not simply a statement about prophetic fulfilment but also a testimony to God’s unwavering faithfulness. His promises are sure, even when our circumstances may make us doubt that certainty.
As I reflect on this verse, I think of God’s enduring commitment to His covenant. Through the Scriptures we see the Lord pledging deliverance, peace, and restoration to His people. These promises are not made lightly nor are they subject to change. They are expressions of God’s integrity. If He declares it, He will bring it to pass. (Isaiah 55:11)
The verse advises us not to say that the Lord “delays His coming.” This caution feels particularly relevant in times when we long for immediate answers or swift fulfilment of God’s promises. The tendency to view God’s timing as delay is not new; it is something even early Christians wrestled with. But this passage directs us to understand that what might seem like a delay to us is, in reality, the unfolding of God’s purposeful plan. We are reminded not to confuse God’s silence or prolonged timelines with inaction or negligence. He is always at work, even if we cannot see His hand in the moment. Waiting is not easy, and for many of us, patience feels contrary to our natural instincts. In a society driven by immediacy, it can be difficult to rest in the knowledge that God’s timing is intentional and never without purpose. I have personally experienced times of longing for divine intervention or clarity, and in retrospect, I see how those waiting periods were precisely where Heavenly Father was cultivating my faith and guiding my steps towards deeper trust.
What is significant about this verse is that it does not just speak to us as individuals; it addresses the entire covenant community. When the verse refers to the “children of Israel,” it is addressing a communal walk of faith, which includes all who belong to God’s covenant through Christ. God’s promises are not merely for individual encouragement but are part of a greater story of His people. When we share in this hope together, we help one another remain steadfast and confident in the Lord’s faithfulness.
This verse is both prophetic and pastoral in its nature. It redirects our thoughts away from doubt and encourages us to trust in Heavenly Father’s timing. This makes me think of the Apostle Peter’s response to similar fears of delay when he wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Both St. Peter’s words and this passage in 3 Nephi show us that the Lord’s patience and timing are part of His loving nature.
We must be careful not to misinterpret waiting as a sign of God’s absence or delay. Heavenly Father is faithful to all of His family. Let us hold fast to this promise, encouraging one another to trust in God’s faithfulness, and finding peace in the knowledge that His Word will indeed be fulfilled. As we wait upon Him, may we grow in our faith, trusting that He who has made the promises is faithful to fulfil them.
