Mosiah 24

Of anything we learn in the Book of Mormon is the necessity of following our priesthood leaders or the Prophet. Generally we see over and over the necessity of the people of Nephi to go to war to protect themselves, their families, and their property. But as Alma and his followers had lived around a quarter of a century in the land of Helam -

"...behold an army of the Lamanites was in the borders of the land.
26 Now it came to pass that the brethren of Alma fled from their fields, and gathered themselves together in the city of Helam; and they were much frightened because of the appearance of the Lamanites." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 23:25 - 26)

Where we would normally see the Nephites defend themselves, their priesthood leader -

"...Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.
28 Therefore they hushed their fears, and began to cry unto the Lord that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites, that they would spare them, and their wives, and their children.
29 And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the hearts of the Lamanites. And Alma and his brethren went forth and delivered themselves up into their hands; and the Lamanites took possession of the land of Helam." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 23:27 - 29)

I believe this righteous group was spared on this occasion as they followed the counsel of Alma. That doesn't mean that their lives were made easier for these were a righteous, prosperous followers of Christ. But even so -

"Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
22 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 23:21 - 22)

For Mormon explained -

"...I will show unto you that they were brought into bondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God, yea, even the God of Abraham and Isaac and of Jacob.
24 And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and he did show forth his mighty power unto them, and great were their rejoicings." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 23:23 - 24)

Though they were brought into captivity and bore heavy burdens, they remained prayerful and faithful and -

"...did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 24:12 - 15)

Eventually, having been tried and chastened -

"...the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.
17 And he said unto Alma: Thou shalt go before this people, and I will go with thee and deliver this people out of bondage." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 24:16 - 17)

Again the prophet spoke and these people of great faith followed his counsel and were miraculously delivered from the Lamanites. Even after they had made their escape to another land -

"...the Lord said unto Alma: Haste thee and get thou and this people out of this land, for the Lamanites have awakened and do pursue thee; therefore get thee out of this land, and I will stop the Lamanites in this valley that they come no further in pursuit of this people." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 24:23)

Again they followed their priesthood leader and -

"...departed out of the valley, and took their journey into the wilderness.
25 And after they had been in the wilderness twelve days they arrived in the land of Zarahemla; and king Mosiah did also receive them with joy."
(Book of Mormon | Mosiah 24:24 - 25)

We will always be tested and tried to see if we will follow the prophet.