When Helaman took charge of the 2000 stripling warriors, they went to battle filled with faith, and the Lord rewarded their efforts in miraculous ways. The experiences of the stripling warriors are truly some of the most astonishing and remarkable experiences in all of scripture. There is no earthly way the things that happened to them could have happened to them without the hand of God miraculously directing, protecting and defending them. Have you ever wondered what happened to the young men who were anti-Nephi-Lehi’s who stayed home? Have you ever wondered if some stayed home because they weren’t ready yet? Have you ever wondered if some stayed home because they weren’t qualified? Have you ever wondered if some stayed home because they didn’t feel worthy? Have you ever wondered if some were just afraid to make the commitment to go?  Have you ever wondered if some just didn’t have the same testimony that the 2000 had? Have you ever wondered if some thought it just wasn’t the right time to fight? Have you ever thought maybe some hadn’t prepared well enough to be called into the service? Have you ever thought that maybe some thought they would just go to battle at a later time? Have you ever thought that some just were not interested in serving in the military at the time? Have you ever wondered if a few of them thought it wasn’t a great idea to fight the Lamanites altogether?
I would like to use a little scriptural liberty to sufficiently answer these questions for myself. Here is what I am certain of: not every young man went to battle with Helaman. Not every young man was prepared to go on the day when the first battalion of two thousand volunteered to serve. Every young man that didn’t go missed out on incredible experiences that were life-changing. They missed out on some of the most miraculous events in history. They missed out on seeing the Lord’s hand protect 2000 young men in a never-before-seen manner.
They missed out on some significant life-altering experiences. They missed out on some things so sacred that most details were not even recorded for us. They missed some miraculous events, but mercy--as it always is--was still granted to those who went later.
For the people who didn’t enlist early, one decision did not dictate their destiny; there was still time to make good decisions. There was still time to serve. There was still time to change, to repent, and to accept a call to serve. They had missed a wonderful opportunity, but it was not too late to seize other meaningful opportunities.