Alma 26:27: "we were about to turn back"

I was touched as I read of the afflictions of Ammon and his brethren as they were working to take the blessings of the gospel to the Lamanites.  It struck me that these men became depressed because of their afflictions, so much so, that they were about to turn back.  So many times in life I have given up, or have been tempted to give up on a worthy pursuit when things got difficult.  It is tempting to look at others and think that if they do something well, it must come easily to them.  Even these greatest of missionaries in the Book of Mormon were tempted to give up and turn back when they got discouraged.  Think of what would have happened if these men had turned back and not completed their work among the Lamanites!  Many thousands of souls would not have received the light of the gospel.  The men likely would never have known what they missed out on had they turned back. No one would have blamed them.  In fact, most thought they were crazy to go in the first place.  But look what good came of sticking with it through their afflictions!  The Lord comforted them as they exercised faith and they were able to persevere through very difficult times.  Now look at their joy.  And the joy of so many others through their efforts.  It is worth it to stick with it through the hardest times, in worthy pursuits.  To do this, my heart must be soft like their hearts were soft. Their hearts were such that they were ok with their afflictions if there was a chance they could just help someone see the Lord.  I need to remember this in my afflictions, however great or small.  I am thankful for the patience and long-suffering of the Lord. He continually forgives me and gives me opportunities to grow and make better decisions going forward.  Amazing chapter.