Exodus chapters 7–13 contain the ten plagues of Egypt. Although we won’t likely see frogs, lice, and flies infesting our livelihoods day after day, there is a lot of sorrow and disaster in the world. And it seems to affect both God’s people as well as those who aren’t following Him. But our faith grows as we learn to look for small miracles instead of focusing on the plagues.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
D&C 29:33 (God speaks so we can understand)
2 Nephi 31:3 (God speaks plainly)
Words of the General Authorities:
The future of this world has long been declared; the final outcome between good and evil is already known. There is absolutely no question as to who wins because the victory has already been posted on the scoreboard. The only really strange thing in all of this is that we are still down here on the field trying to decide which team’s jersey we want to wear. (Jeffrey R. Holland, as recorded by John Bytheway in When Times Are Tough, 2004)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Exodus 7:3-5 (Signs to know God)
Exodus 3:22 (Ask the Egyptians for their fine things)
CR: Exodus 11:2
CR: Exodus 12:35
CR: Exodus 35:22
Words of the General Authorities:
Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another—if we are responsive to spiritual promptings. Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives. (Ronald A. Rasband, “By Divine Design”, October 2017 General Conference)
There is a guiding hand above all things. Often when things happen, it’s not by accident. One day, when we look back at the seeming coincidences of our lives, we will realize that perhaps they weren’t so coincidental after all. (Thomas S. Monson, as relayed by Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life”, BYU Speeches delivered on November 7, 1999)
Translations:
Shall know - yada = To know, see, admit, or find out through experience (Hebrew)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Exodus 35:22 (An offering of gold at the tabernacle)
Exodus 35:5,10,21,22,25-29,34-35 (A willing and wise heart)
Exodus 7:13-14 (Pharaoh’s hard heart)
D&C 64:34 (Heart and a willing mind)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust with your whole heart)
Exodus 12:37 (A count of the people of Israel)
1 Nephi 2:16 (Nephi’s heart is softened)
Words of the General Authorities:
Each of us is precious and loved by the Lord, who cares, who whispers, and who watches over us in ways unique to each of us. He is infinitely wiser and more powerful than mortal men and women. He knows our challenges, our triumphs, and the righteous desires of our hearts.
The Lord’s hand is guiding you. By “divine design,” He is in the small details of your life as well as the major milestones. As it says in Proverbs, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; … and he shall direct thy paths.”
When we are righteous, willing, and able, when we are striving to be worthy and qualified, we progress to places we never imagined and become part of Heavenly Father’s “divine design.” Each of us has divinity within us. When we see God working through us and with us, may we be encouraged, even grateful for that guidance. When our Father in Heaven said, “This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man,” He was talking about all of His children—you in particular. (Ronald A. Rasband, “By Divine Design”, October 2017 General Conference)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
Alma 32:27 (An experiment on the words)
Plagues Scripture Chain:
Exodus 7:21 (River of blood)
Exodus 9:3-6 (Death of the cattle)
Exodus 9:23-26 (Hail and fire)
Exodus 10:21-23 (Thick darkness)
Exodus 11:5-7 (Death of the first born)
Words of the General Authorities:
No trial or calamity can derail God’s plan of happiness. (Ronald A. Rasband, “By Divine Design”, October 2017 General Conference)
Quotes:
Such was the river to the Egyptians but it was sweet and fit for drinking to the Hebrews, and no way different from what it naturally used to be. (Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Exodus 11:5-7 (Death of the first born)
Exodus 12:13 (Blood is a token)
Exodus 12:16 (Holy convocation)
Words of the General Authorities:
Let’s admit, in a fallen world there’s no way to be a perfect spouse, parent, son or daughter, grandchild, mentor, or friend—but a million ways to be a good one. Let’s stay at the tree, partake of the love of God, and share it. By lifting the people around us, we ascend together. (Tamara W. Runia, “Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens”, October 2023 General Conference)
Segment 6
Words of the General Authorities:
What should you be looking for in your own life? What are God’s miracles that remind you that He is close, saying, “I am right here”? Think of those times, some daily, when the Lord has acted in your life—and then acted again. Treasure them as moments the Lord has shown confidence in you and in your choices. But allow Him to make more of you than you can make of yourself on your own. Treasure His involvement. Sometimes we consider changes in our plans as missteps on our journey. Think of them more as first steps to being “on the Lord’s errand.” (Ronald A. Rasband, “By Divine Design”, October 2017 General Conference)
Read the transcript here.