Meriting Great Gifts

God told Nephi, son of Helaman, the following:
"...I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed. in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word...I give unto you power..." (Helaman 10:5, 7)
And He states that Nephi will have the power to seal and loose things in earth and in heaven, to speak and make mountains flat or cause the people to be smitten.

Nephi received this gift only after being imprisoned for teaching the gospel, after preaching for six years in a land where the people didn't listen to him, and after being faithful despite having his country overtaken and perverted by the Gaddianton robbers.

I guess I might normally want to be blessed to be "mighty in word and deed" before serving as a missionary for six years. Little do I know what kind of effort and righteousness are required before we receive such gifts.

It certainly makes sense in a basic sort of way. How can one expect to be blessed without showing some effort to do God's will?

Interestingly, after being given such power, Nephi still was tasked with preaching repentance he faced rejection as he carried out that preaching. Even though he had been given great power, he still had difficult work to do.

It seems to be the basic flow in life: Do what is right, and you will be blessed with more opportunities to do what is right.

Last thoughts for now:
I admire Nephi's dedication. I know I must resolve myself to live righteously and share the gospel, even if it takes years to receive all the blessings my Father in Heaven has in store for me.