Only in different words, a Jewish concept of Jacob's sentiment is expressed thusly: In every part of the Earth and in all ages of the World, God has raised up men and women to struggle and endure that His word should be preached to all people, that in the end every nation, kindred, tongue, and people should hear His voice.
To the thoughtful student of religious history especially as it is outlined in the written annals of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ (L.D.S.), the thoughts expressed by Alma are being borne out by factual experience. Except for a time when the Gospel was being introduced in the several nations of the Earth, men of that nation have been raised up to teach the word of the Lord in wisdom "all that He seeth fit that they should have." Thus we see, for example, the Lord is now raising up Chinese to declare His word among that people; Japanese are being prepared by Him to carry the Gospel Message to the Nipponese, and Polynesians to them that inhabit the Islands of the Pacific. "The Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach His word."
“We See That the Lord Doth Counsel in Wisdom”
Almost immediately Alma saw and recognized the impropriety of his wish. The Lord of the Vineyard wherein Alma labored had in wisdom obtained a choice field, and it had produced much good fruit. Its Master had provided husbandmen to care for the trees and preserve them. To some was given the task of preparing the soil; to others to dig about the roots of the trees, and still others to water, and to nurture, and to gather in the precious crop when harvest time should come. A special commitment was given to every workman. Each one had a duty to perform. All worked together that the trees should abundantly bring forth good fruit. Alma was one of these workmen.
Its Owner had given to Alma particular charge of His Vineyard in Zarahemla. That sacred duty was a trust in which Alma delighted. The Head Keeper of the Vineyard had watched over Alma as if Alma, himself, was a watered garden. He had hedged Alma about; He had placed watchmen over him that none should despoil or ravage the tender flowers that blossomed in his heart. Angels from Heaven had ministered unto him. The Holy Spirit had sustained him in time of need. Knowledge from On High had guided his footsteps. Alma knew good and evil; he also had the power to choose right and wrong. Alma's mission was in Zarahemla. There, with his own people he could lead and counsel them. However, in spite of the great work God had allotted him, Alma sought world-wide service: "to cry repentance unto every people." But a sudden change came over Alma. To do well the work that God had assigned him was the thing he wanted most to do. To labor in that part of the Lord's Vineyard wherein he had been called became uppermost in his mind. "Now seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?" In his mind he undoubtedly recalled the words of Jacob, the Prophet Nephi's brother, "Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from His hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that He counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all His works." (Jacob 4:10)