One of the great doctrines that we find in 1 Nephi 2 is a road map on how to gain great faith. Nephi’s testimony goes along with the directive we get out of Section 88 of the Doctrine and Covenants, "draw near to me, and I will draw near unto you." Nephi explained, in 1 Nephi 2:16, "having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, therefore I did cry unto the Lord and behold, he did visit me and did soften my heart." The Lord said, "Blessed art thou Nephi because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently with lowliness of heart." Here are the requirements for obtaining answers from the Lord: we need great faith resulting from "diligently seeking" and with "lowliness of heart."
We learn from Nephi’s words that his own heart also needed "softening." Why? He looked like a true believer from the beginning. He believed what his father was telling him. He wanted to understand the mysteries too. But it would seem, there was still some further refining necessary for him—as there is for all of us, wherever we may be on the journey of faith.
Additionally, we learn from Nephi’s words that it doesn’t work to be a "cafeteria believer" and just pick and choose certain doctrines and principles that you’d prefer to believe. Nephi says, "The Lord did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father," not just some of the words which he had spoken, but all of his words. Once you truly believe in God, you believe all of his words. At this point Nephi became a full-fledged believer.
Nephi’s words were chosen carefully. He did not have to admit that his heart needed to be softened, that he had had that humbling experience. But I think he mentioned this for a reason. I love it, that from the very beginning, he also mentioned the afflictions, pains, and hardships that he suffered, but quickly moved right on to the blessings and tender mercies he had received, as his focus was always based on his testimony that God delivers His children "because of their faith" (1 Nephi 1:20).
There are troubled times ahead. We’re warned over and over that we can’t coast along. Every one of us is going to be challenged in one way or another. Not in the extreme ways that our friends in the scriptures have been, hopefully; but we have their examples for a reason. Nephi was inspired to start us off with his experience because his pattern is essential for us to follow. He testified that he knew that he would be blessed, no matter what lay ahead, because God is faithful to those who keep their covenants with Him. It’s a beautiful testimony, and it’s a good starting point for faith, as we see what’s going to happen because his testimony is true.