8:10-11 - "...Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance. Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts..."
Sometimes, even after mighty prayer and strugglings, the desired outcome still doesn't happen. People still have their agency. You can't take that away from them through prayer or anything else.
All we can do is do our best, and then we have no reason to worry.
8:14-15 - "...for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you..."
This is awesome - the angel that first called Alma unto repentance was the same angel that delivered this message. This time it was a much happier message. I'm sure Alma was grateful for the confidence he now had, and that this same angel could deliver this better message.
I know I would be happier...so I work to let virtue garnish my thoughts unceasingly.
8:24 - "...I have been called to preach the word of God among all this people, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy..."
Elder Robert D. Hales spoke about this in the November 2007 Ensign, Pg. 86-89. "We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key... by design, most miracles are spiritual demonstrations of God's power - tender mercies gently bestowed through impressions, ideas, feelings of assurance, solutions to problems, strength to meet challenges, and comfort to bear disappointments and sorrow."
We should seek for revelation, and as we do, we will see miracles. Maybe not necessarily mountains being moved (unless it is the will of God), but miracles do occur and often we are the instruments of choice for the Lord. We must do what we can to have the Spirit with us so we can be ready.
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