Jun 30, 2024

_{Abish by Mandy Jane Williams}

Usually while studying Alma chapters 17 to 22, we focus on Ammon, the conversion of King Lamoni, and the differences between the missions of Ammon and his brethren. We also study the teaching methods of Ammon and his brethren, looking for ways to touch those around us with the Spirit. However, I like to focus on a woman who became an instrument in the Lord’s hands, who didn’t hesitate to share her testimony with others: Abish, the Lamanite servant of the queen. 

Abish had been “converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father,” but “never . . . made it known” (Alma 19:16–17). When Ammon and the royal family were overcome with the Spirit and fell to the earth, Abish “knew that it was the power of God,” and she believed that if the people saw “this scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people” (Alma 19:17).

Abish didn’t hesitate to use this opportunity to become an instrument in the hands of the Lord to teach others about Christ. When the people gathered and saw Ammon and the royal family on the ground, disagreements arose. Abish, seeing the contention, was upset and “went and took the queen by the hand, that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and as soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon her feet” (Alma 19:29). Abish showed great faith and bravery by allowing the Lord to use her for His purposes.

Are we afraid to act when we have been prompted? We can follow the example of Abish and act, even when we feel weak. The work we are being asked to do, like that of the sons of Mosiah, is important and eternally impactful. We are asked to gather Israel. As President Russell M. Nelson said in the October 2020 general conference, “When we speak of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve.” Allowing the Lord to use us to touch the lives of His children is a blessing.

In the April 1896 general conference, President Wilford Woodruff spoke of the priesthood and the blessing of missionaries. He said, “The Lord . . . has given to us an army of sons and daughters, and our sons are called to go to the nations of the earth. We want to instill into their minds the importance of these blessings to the inhabitants of the earth and the saving of souls from sin. You give unto any soul the principles of life and salvation and administer these ordinances to him, and you become an instrument in the hands of God in the salvation of that soul.”

May we be brave and become instruments in the hands of the Lord so that He can use us to bring others to Him.

Michelle graduated from Utah State University–Eastern in 1995 with an associate degree in Graphic Design. After serving in the Guatemala, Guatemala North Mission from 1996 to 1998, she continued her education at Utah Valley University, graduating in 1999 with an associate degree in Paralegal Studies and in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management and an emphasis in Graphic Design. She worked as a paralegal for two years before having her children and becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom. Her two children are now in college. Not wanting to let her children suffer through college alone, Michelle went back to school and is now attending Utah Tech University, working on her master’s in Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric. Michelle loves the gospel, family history, and the temple. She and her husband enjoy camping, hiking, and spending time together. She is excited to be a volunteer with the Wilford Woodruff Papers.