Left to Ourselves
Left to Ourselves
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
September 22nd, 2025
The prophet Mormon records the heartbreaking account of the destruction of the once righteous, prosperous, and great Nephite nation. In the final chapters of his record, Mormon describes the reason for the fall of the Nephites:
“And it came to pass that when they had fled we did pursue them with our armies, and did meet them again, and did beat them; nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea, we were left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the Lord did not abide in us; therefore we had become weak like unto our brethren.” (Mormon 2:36)
What a sad commentary on the state of the Nephite nation. Because of the lives they were living, the Spirit had withdrawn from the Nephites. Without the Spirit, the Nephites became weak. As Mormon describes, “we were left to ourselves.” No longer did these once chosen people enjoy the strength and protection available from the Lord. As the Spirit withdrew, tragically and sadly, the Nephite nation became extinct.
This did not have to be the case. In an earlier record kept by Limhi, a Nephite leader who lived hundreds of years before the fall of the Nephite nation, we read how the Lord strengthened the Nephites to succeed in battle against the Lamanites:
“Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers.
“And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did go forth in his might; yea, we did go forth against the Lamanites...” (Mosiah 9:17-18)
Do you see the difference in these two accounts? In the next few verses and chapters, Limhi describes the victories the Nephite army achieved over the Lamanite army. The lesson is clear – when the Nephite people lived worthy of the Spirit, the Lord strengthened them in their battles. There are important truths for us to learn and apply from these two accounts.
One of the consistent truths taught throughout the Book of Mormon is that the Lord offers us His strength to overcome the challenges and difficulties life presents to us. We are never “left to ourselves.” Instead, when we humbly and in faith seek the Lord’s strength, guidance, and grace He promises to make it available to us. In the book of Ether we are taught this truth:
“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” (Ether 12:27)
I know that missionary work can be challenging and discouraging. Missionary work is hard. I know some of you struggle with temptations and behavior that have followed you into the mission field. There are times when we each feel afraid and alone – that the burdens we carry seem too heavy and that we are too weak to overcome them. I testify that the Lord can provide us the strength necessary to overcome any challenge we face. He will not leave us “to ourselves.” I know He will draw close to strengthen us through the Spirit. I promise that as we seek His grace through obedience, sincere prayer, and faith He will provide us the strength we require.
Siter Quinn and I are delighted and excited to be with you this week in our mission conference. This is a unique opportunity for the entire mission to be together. We can’t wait to see you. We are confident you enjoy our time together. See you soon!
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
