And this was their faith, that by so doing God would prosper them in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according to their danger; (Alma 48:15)

This faith the Nephites had about how God would bless them for keeping the commandments is interesting and applicable today. Prosperity implies peace, but the blessings during war are no less important. The Nephites believed that during war they would receive appropriate guidance about whether to flee or fight.

I started thinking about these war instructions—flee or prepare for war (fight).  Under what conditions are each of those applicable? 

Fleeing is appropriate when the opposition is too great and losses would be too severe if the home army gathered to fight.

Fighting is appropriate when the opposition can be beaten with a stiff resistance brought to bear.

And wouldn’t it be lovely to know ahead of time—prophetically—when to run or when to fight so you don’t end up fleeing when you might have won, or you don’t get slaughtered where you should have run if you’d only known?

Where have our prophets told us in effect to run?  One issue I can think of right off—tolerance.  Where have they told us to stand and resist?  Strengthening the family and standing for religious freedom. I personally feel that should give us some hope.

What other issues can you think of where the prophets told us to flee or to prepare for war?