One of the great teachings of life is that everyone is going to have afflictions, trials, and tribulations. Adversity is part of life. The righteous are not spared, for this is a testing time. Our test is how we respond to adversity. Adversity also allows God to show forth His power. Nephi did not murmur in his affliction—and neither should we. He praised God, and so should we. Again, since the hearts of Laman and Lemuel were not sensitive to the Lord, only external means could be used to effect a change: they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea, so they repented. We learn a great lesson in regard to our spiritual wellness: Are we subject to the Spirit and the will of God by being easily entreated or do we too need external means to bring us to humility so as to bring about change? (Ed J. Pinegar)