The Lord’s “wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.”
Nephi didn’t know why he was inspired to make two sets of records of his people. And Mormon didn’t know why he was inspired to include the second set with the gold plates. But both prophets trusted that God had “a wise purpose” (1 Nephi 9:5; Words of Mormon 1:7).Today we know at least part of that purpose: to replace the 116 lost pages of the Book of Mormon. What do you think the Lord wants you to learn from all this? Ponder that question as you read Doctrine and Covenants 10:34–52. You might also make a list of truths you learn about the Lord from these verses. How do these truths affect your relationship with Him? What impresses you about the Lord’s wisdom and foresight in preparing for the loss of the 116 pages?
Isn't amazing that the Lord has the power to take something that was such devastating mistake and turn it into something beautiful? The story of the lost 116 pages really shows the Lords power and Mercy.
I want to start out asking my students something along that line. Would anyone be willing to share how they have seen God take something ugly and turn it beautiful? Like a caterpillar and a butterfly(:
I can think of a dozen people in our ward that have openly shared about death, divorce, adoption or injury, where with God took something terrible and made it beautiful, because they continued to follow Him and have faith (Like the scripture below Romans 8:28). I may use one of these examples from our ward, and then encourage the students to think of some others.
Go by the spirit and create your own questions, but I suggest asking a question in the beginning that helps the youth relate to the lesson.
I love this scripture. It is a free printable.
Your board will look like this:
Then, you are going to randomly hand out cards like this:
They have to find the other person in the class that has the matching picture. That is the person they will be working with to answer the questions. Or help with the sorting.
I wrote some of my notes in the side, you can study this and find your own questions to ask your youth. It is in this set of three that I will be spending the majority of the time. I really want the youth to understand God's mercy in this story. I suggest listening to the Follow Him podcast for more insight.
Here are some free scripture cards that can help those who struggle looking up scriptures. This is a Free Print.
HEADS UP
There are some cards like this:
Elder Maxwell doesn't have a match unless you would like them to match up with the student that gets to draw their own picture(:
And the last card that goes in a place by itself, doesn't have a picture, so no match-up their either.
I have 15 students in my class, so you are likely to get more cards then you need, but you can complete the cards assigned and go on round two with more cards and a new set of students working together.
You might also feel inspired to look for evidence of His wisdom and foresight in your life. Read the accounts in Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s message “By Divine Design”—they might bring examples to your mind (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 55–57). Consider writing them down as they come to you. How has the Lord been working in your life? For example, what “coincidences” has He prepared? What foundations has He laid for your blessings? When has He led you to minister to someone in need?
See also Romans 8:28; Doctrine and Covenants 90:24; Topics and Questions, “Plan of Salvation,” Gospel Library.
This is what it looks like completed:
If you don't have time for everything don't sweat it. Focus on where the needs and interests of your students take you.
This is already in the lesson bundle. You can purchase it separately here.
