1 Nephi 14:1

1 – "And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks—”

-- To “hearken” is more than just listening to someone. It is carefully hearing what is said, with the intent of heeding their words.

-- “manifest” - to make clear or evident to the eye or the understanding; show plainly.

-- “stumbling block” - an obstacle or hindrance to progress, belief, or understanding.

-- God’s plan for His children is one of eternal progression. Without the fullness of the gospel, with its saving ordinances, man is limited in realizing the divine purpose for which he was created. Their ignorance of truth and absence of priesthood authority were great stumbling blocks for them. This was the state of the Gentiles (and all mankind) prior to the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. When the Gentiles were ready (God knows the hearts of men) as a people to receive the restored gospel, Jesus Christ manifested himself unto them. His manifestation came in three ways: 1) in word; 2) in power; 3) in deed. In word: Jesus Christ personally appeared to Joseph Smith, declaring His word unto him. Also, the word of God, in purity, is manifested unto the Gentiles through the Book of Mormon. In power: The power of God is evident every time a person does anything beyond their own ability. The translation of the Book of Mormon came about through the gift and power of God. Every time any “gift of the Spirit” is present, it is made possible through the power of God. Of particular mention is receiving a testimony. It is the witness of the Holy Ghost, truly a manifestation of the power of God, that brings about conversion. Also, the restoration of the priesthood allows man to perform ordinances of the gospel. What greater power could be manifest than making the way of salvation possible through the ordinances of God. In deed: There are times in the latter-days in which God has personally performed certain deeds on behalf of the saints. For example, God directed a strong thunderstorm to protect Zion’s camp from a violent mob during its march to Missouri. All of these things were done for the purpose of removing the stumbling blocks of the Gentiles, and thus make way the path to eternal progression.

-- The application of this verse is also relevant on a personal basis. We all have certain weaknesses that limit us in our progression. When we turn to God with a determination to hearken unto Him, He manifests Himself unto us in word, in power, and in deed. There are many ways that this can happen: through His words in the scriptures, through the voice of the Holy Ghost, through various gifts of the Spirit, through priesthood blessings, etc. While there are many things that we can do to overcome these weaknesses that we have, it is ultimately God that changes our nature and assists us in making weak things become strong. Just like the farmer who labors in his field: he prepares the earth, sows the seed, and applies fertilizer, but it is God that provides the rain and the miracle of germination and growth. We must labor in our own spiritual fields and rely on the Lord of the harvest to provide the increase. As we do, we will one-by-one overcome each of our stumbling blocks and go on unto exaltation.