Amulek is one of my favorite characters in the Book of Mormon.  I love his willingness to drop everything to serve when called of God. I love how he overcame years of doubt or inaction and became a valiant witness of Christ. I mourn with him as he was forced to watch those he love suffer and rejoice with him as his newfound faith give him strength.

I was therefore overjoyed to see President Uchtdorf speak about lessons we can learn from the story of Alma and Amulek. And his talk revealed to me a new dimension of the story that I had not picked up on. In particular, he focused on the trust that the Lord, and Alma, put in Amulek even though he was untested and perhaps even could be said to be inactive.

President Uchtdorf emphasized that like Alma we will regularly need to reach out to those who might not at first glance seem prepared:

“In whatever position you currently serve–whether you are a deacons quorum president, a stake president, or an Area President–to be successful, you must find your Amuleks.

It may be someone who is unassuming or even invisible within your congregations. It may be someone who seems unwilling or unable to serve. Your Amuleks may be young or old, men or women, inexperienced, tired, or not active in the Church. But what may not be seen at first sight is that they are hoping to hear from you the words “The Lord needs you! I need you!”

Deep down, many want to serve their God. They want to be an instrument in His hands. They want to thrust in their sickle and strive with their might to prepare the earth for the return of our Savior. They want to build His Church. But they are reluctant to begin. Often they wait to be asked.”

And then of course, I loved President Uchtdorf’s strong reassurance to those who may doubt their capacity to serve:

“Perhaps, like Amulek, you know in your heart that the Lord has “called [you] many times,” but you “would not hear.”

Nevertheless, the Lord sees in you what He saw in Amulek–the potential of a valiant servant with an important work to do and with a testimony to share. There is service that no one else can give in quite the same way. The Lord has trusted you with His holy priesthood, which holds the divine potential to bless and lift others. Listen with your heart and follow the promptings of the Spirit.”

What a beautiful talk and what a needed reminder that God sees us far differently than we sometimes see ourselves.