1 Nephi 3:10

10  And it came to pass that when we had gone up to the land of Jerusalem, I and my brethren did consult one with another.

    “did consult with one another.”

            -four brothers trying to figure out how to accomplish a very difficult thing.  They looked to each other for strength –which any earthly parent would have been proud of.  This was a necessary step but they should have (and eventually would) consulted with God.  Even so, God lets us struggle through on our own until we discover that we are simply not up to the challenges.  The law of agency forbids His imposition in our affairs without our petitioning and even then, he is sometimes slow in order that we develop our capacity.  His role is not to provide constant and ready consultation but to facilitate growth, to allow us to go to the edge of our capabilities and then to make up for what we lack  -usually by increasing our capacity rather then minimizing the opposition. One essential lesson we learn in all of this is that we are more capable, more qualified to our challenges than we supposes; a second equally essential lesson we learn is that we are deficient without his prospering support.  Two truths that may appear to be contradictory but are completely harmonious and simultaneously effective.

 
          -Verse ten commences Nephi and brother’s efforts to obtain the plates.  They eventually attempt that goal three times, each time employing a slightly different strategy.  I will outline the plans and attempts here:

The Plan for Obtaining the Plates of Brass

	Reference	Summary	Plan Based on:
Plan 1	3:11-14	we cast lots -who of us should go in unto Laban	chance
Plan 2	3:22-29	we would give our gold, silver and precious things (in exchange for the plates)	reason/intellect
Plan 3	4:5-27	I was led by the Spirit, not knowing before hand	the Lord

 

PLAN 1

      “did consult one with another”

            -the planning and decision process was made in council with each other.  They talked it over, presumably presented several options and finally decided on one which they felt would have the best chances of achieving their desired ends.  Not a bad way to approach a problem.