In Matthew chapter 14:24-31 we read: “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
Waterfalls
When I was about 11 or 12 years old, our family went on one of many weekend camping trips into the Cascade Mountains. On this trip, my dad, uncle, cousin and I decided to go exploring as we frequently did on those trips. On this adventure, our exploration took us to a large stream cascading rapidly down the mountain. The waterfalls were exquisitely beautiful as they crashed on the rocks. Yet, there was only one way to cross this stream. And that was to traverse a large, fallen tree over the raging waterfalls.
Spray from the falls and moss on the tree had made the way slippery and a bit treacherous. But we just had to get to the other side! My uncle went across first, then my dad. Sitting and inching my way across, I was cleaving to this log with all my young strength. My dad, seeing my fear, stood at the end of that log and encouraged my progress. He kept telling me to focus on him, not the water below, and I would be all right. While this sounded easy, it was not, but he was right, and I safely made it to the other side. From there, our journey continued through one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
Learning to trust
I learned a great deal from that experience. My dad was my hero and I learned that I wanted to be brave, just like him. From this experience and many others, I learned to always trust his counsel. I learned to trust myself and that I had courage and strength of which I was unaware. And I learned to trust God for He heard my fervent prayers that day and every day since. Over the decades since that trip, I have reflected on crossing that fallen tree many times. If I had lost focus, the outcome would have been tragic indeed.
His hand is stretched out still
Our lives are like crossing those waterfalls or walking on the sea. We are surrounded by endless beauty but also boisterous winds and storms. We are encouraged in our progress by a loving Heavenly Father. He tells us to focus on Him and we’ll be alright, regardless of the raging waters around us. Sadly, many times, we lose focus, we slip, and we fall. In fear and despair, we cry out, “Lord, save me!” Gratefully, because of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our slips and falls need not be spiritually fatal. The Savior stretches forth His hand and holds us firmly as He lifts us back up. But we must commit to repenting, starting over, and never quit trying.
The prophet Jacob reminds us, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts.” (Jacob 5:6)
The journey following repentance is glorious indeed. Celestial glory awaits us, my friends, it is a place more beautiful than we can imagine, and one I cannot wait to see. May we all gather there one day, and I promise to bring the s’mores!
