Jan 21, 2024

Tree of Life and Rod of Iron by Jerry Thompson

“The armies of God are larger than the armies of Lucifer,” Elder Larry R. Lawrence said. “You may look around and think to yourself, ‘The world is becoming more and more wicked. Satan must be winning the war.’ Don’t be fooled. The truth is, we outnumber the enemy.”¹

It’s easy to feel like evil is stronger, or at least more prevalent, than good. Though evil will always be around us, we can be armed with righteousness and be strengthened against trials and temptations.

After hearing their father’s account of his vision of the Tree of Life, Nephi’s brothers were confused by the symbolism and asked Nephi about the rod of iron. He responded “that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction” (1 Nephi 15:24).

When we hold to the iron rod, we cannot be overpowered. As a youth growing up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I remember learning several tactics to resist and overcome temptation. Singing hymns and primary songs in my mind, praying, and memorizing scriptures all have helped me as I have tried to withstand the attacks of the adversary. These tools can be our spiritual armor as we face the trials and temptations of mortality. They give us access to God’s power.

Wilford Woodruff spoke beautifully about the strengthening power of God. “We have been sustained by the power of God from the beginning to this day, and nothing short of the power of God could have saved us and brought us through; and nothing but the power of God can preserve us, and nothing but His wisdom can pilot us safe to the high destiny that awaits us.”²

Lyndie is working toward a degree in Public Relations at Brigham Young University. Originally from Idaho Falls, Idaho, she enjoys running, spending time with her husband and family, and reading. Lyndie served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hermosillo, Mexico, where she developed a love for the Spanish language and the people there. She was drawn to the Wilford Woodruff Papers out of a desire to learn more about Church history and enjoys being part of the organization’s efforts to touch lives with Wilford Woodruff’s words.