Welcome fellow travelers. This is Grace and Sobriety for Latter-day Saints on a path of recovery and living a sober life through Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Does it ever feel like the moment you decide to get sober or fix your life, everything suddenly gets harder? That resistance isn’t failure—it’s actually proof that you’re on the right path

In this episode, we’re looking at Abraham 3 to discover why God calls this life a ‘proving ground.’ We’re going to learn how to turn that intense pressure into the power you need to break your chains.

I want to share with you today how we’re going to prove that you are one of the ‘noble and great ones.’ Let’s get into it and like, share, and subscribe – following this content and all other content.

Anchor Verse:

“And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” — Abraham 3:25

In our previous episodes, we established our nothingness without God (Moses 1), claimed our identity as His children (Moses 1), and found the courage to seek a better way (Abraham 1).

Now, in Abraham 3, the Lord pulls back the curtain on why we are here. Abraham sees the intelligences organized before the world was, and he learns that this life is not a random series of chaotic events or meaningless suffering. It is a specific, designed environment—a “proving ground.”

In this sacred narrative, we are invited to understand that each challenge we face is not simply a hurdle to overcome but rather an integral part of our divine journey. The chaos of addiction, the pain of depression, and the fog of doubt are not signs that God has abandoned us; rather, they represent the very terrain upon which we prove who we trust and what we are made of. Each experience and trial serves a purpose, providing us opportunities to grow, learn, and exercise our faith.

Abraham’s revelations remind us that the adversities we encounter can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our relationship with the divine. Therefore, our struggles should not lead us to despair but instead inspire us to reach deeper for strength and clarity. In recognizing that our experiences are part of a greater plan, we shift our perspective to one of hope and resilience. Thus, every moment, whether joyous or painful, becomes meaningful in the grand tapestry of our lives, guiding us toward a greater understanding of our divine potential and purpose.

Additional Scriptures:

• Abraham 3:22: “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones.” (Your recovery is powered by your pre-mortal nobility).
• D&C 98:12: “For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.”

Devotional Message

“We Will Prove Them Herewith”

Recovery is often described as “walking through hell.” When we finally get sober or start facing our trauma, we often expect immediate relief. Instead, we frequently find intense resistance. The cravings spike. The anxiety flares. The “natural man” screams to be fed. It feels overwhelming at times, like a storm raging inside us, and it’s in these moments that our resolve is truly tested.

In these moments, it is easy to think we are failing. But Abraham 3 teaches us that this resistance is essential. You were not sent here to float; you were sent here to climb. The journey of recovery is not a straight path but a winding road that requires great perseverance and strength. Each step forward may feel heavy, burdened by the weight of our past choices, but every struggle is an opportunity for growth.

God showed Abraham the “noble and great ones” (Abraham 3:22) not to puff up his ego, but to remind him of his capacity. This reminder is crucial during our recovery. You are a child of light sent into a world of entropy and opposition. The addiction that tries to enslave you is part of the test, but it is not the outcome. It is a challenge meant to refine and strengthen you. The test is: In the face of this pressure, who will you obey?

When the text says, “prove them,” it doesn’t mean God is waiting for you to fail so He can punish you. It means He is waiting for you to stand so He can promote you. Picture it as a coach who sees potential in their athlete. He pushes them, not to break them, but to help them realize their true strength. In a similar way, God is proving to you that His grace is sufficient. Every time you say “no” to the old behavior and “yes” to the Spirit, you are fulfilling the measure of your creation. You are passing the test.

As you navigate this rugged terrain, remember that each moment of choice builds resilience. It may seem small but saying “no” to temptation and “yes” to hope echoes in the universe. These choices become the building blocks of a life transformed, leading you to a destiny filled with purpose. You are not alone in this journey; the support of a loving community, friends, and family can provide encouragement through the trials. Together, we can climb out of the depths, proving to ourselves just how far we’ve come and how brightly we can shine. Embrace the challenges, for they lead to a higher calling and a more profound peace.

Recovery Focus

Living and Thriving in Recovery and Sobriety

Recovery is the ultimate “Proving Ground.” It is a journey filled with challenges that test your resolve and strength, but it is also a transformative process that can lead to profound personal growth and enlightenment.

Reframe the Struggle: Stop viewing your urges as “failures” and start viewing them as “reps.” Every time an urge hits and you choose sobriety, you are doing spiritual heavy lifting. These moments are not setbacks; rather, they are opportunities to reinforce your commitment to recovery. Each decision to remain sober is akin to lifting weights in the gym — it builds your mental and emotional muscles. The more you practice this, the stronger you become, and eventually, the urges that once seemed overwhelming start to lose their power.

Identity over Biology: Your addiction attacks your biology, but your recovery is anchored in your intelligence—the eternal part of you that existed before the world was. This intelligence is your true self, the essence of who you are beyond any substance or addiction. Recognizing this can shift your perspective significantly; you become aware that you are not defined by your addiction. Instead, you are defined by your choices and your capacity for resilience. That part of you is “noble and great” and cannot be destroyed by a substance or a mood. Embracing this identity empowers you to make choices that align with your highest self.

The First Estate: Abraham 3:26 mentions those who “keep their first estate.” In recovery, “keeping your estate” means holding your ground today. It’s not just about staying sober; it involves actively nurturing your spirit, reconnecting with your values, and living in a way that reflects your true self. Just for today, keep your covenants. Just for today, stay sober. This practice of living day by day can create a strong foundation for long-term sobriety. By focusing on today — the present moment — you reduce the anxiety that often accompanies thinking about the future. This mindfulness can aid in maintaining clarity and commitment as you navigate your recovery journey.

Embrace this time of recovery as a phase of life where you can truly discover who you are, free from the confines of addiction. The path may be challenging, but with each step taken in sobriety, you are choosing to live authentically and thriving in the freedom that comes with it.

Wisdom and Grace

Insights for a Crucified, Disciplined Life

The Discipline of Alignment: The test is specifically if we will do “whatsoever the Lord… shall command.” This is Step 3 and Step 11. Success isn’t about negotiating with God; it’s about radical alignment with His will. True alignment requires us to embrace a posture of obedience, understanding that our desires may not always align with His purposes. It is a daily commitment to recalibrate our minds and hearts, choosing to surrender to His guidance. This discipline fosters a deep sense of connection with the divine and encourages us to trust that His commands are not burdensome but rather pathways to deeper fulfillment.

Grace in the Gap: We often fail the test. We slip. We stumble. In those moments of weakness, it’s essential to remember that the “proving” is a process, not a single event. Grace is what catches us when we fall; it is the divine hand that lifts us out of our shortcomings and mistakes. Discipline, however, is what helps us get back up. This is a vital aspect of growth in our spiritual journey. Each time we fall, we are afforded an opportunity to learn and grow stronger in our faith. Grace and discipline work hand in hand; grace gives us the strength to rise again, while discipline steers us back on the path we are meant to walk.

Key Takeaway: You are not a victim of your circumstances; you are a student in God’s classroom. The lesson is trust. Just as a student learns through tests and trials, we too are learning to navigate life’s challenges with a heart anchored in faith. The final exam is surrender; it is the ultimate act of yielding our will to God’s perfect plan for our lives. In this surrender, we find not only peace but also the assurance that we are exactly where we need to be for His glory and our growth. Embracing this perspective transforms our struggles into steppingstones towards a deeper relationship with Him.

Summary and Call to Action

You are one of the “noble and great ones.” This life, with all its heartbreak and temptation, is the proving ground designed to reveal that nobility. We are here to prove that we love the Lord more than we love our “Ur,” more than we love our addictions, and more than we love our comfort.

This week, identify one specific area where you feel you are being “tested” the hardest (patience with family, honesty at work, late-night cravings).

• Pray: “Lord, I accept this challenge as my proving ground. I am a noble intelligence, and with Your help, I will do what You command in this moment.”
• Act: When that specific test comes this week, pause and say out loud: “This is the proving. I am passing it right now.” Then, make the difficult, righteous choice.