Living by the scriptures
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"O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"— Matthew 14:31
Peter's experience of walking on the water to go to Jesus as recorded in Matthew 14:25-33 served as a great help to me in an hour of need. The scriptures tell us that at first Peter did fine and did not fear, "but when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." As the Lord saved Peter, He said to him, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
Recently, I was kayaking on a mountain lake. As I launched out into the open water, there was only a slight breeze. However, after an hour, the wind changed and picked up in intensity. As I turned back towards the distant shore, I found myself struggling against the wind-blown waves crashing over the bow of my kayak. With each stroke the wind pushed me backwards.
I prayed for help, remembering the experience of Peter. I must not doubt, neither fear, but trust the Lord to save me. At first I prayed the wind would cease, but that didn't happen. Therefore, I pleaded to the Lord not to ease the task but to strengthen me to endure it. I knew I must not give up but use all my energy to paddle harder and move forward. I prayed for courage, and I knew the Lord was helping me.
I set goals of getting to the next bend or of passing a distant tree on the shoreline. I felt joy as I neared each goal and passed it and continued on to the next. I knew I must not slacken my faith or my resolve to pursue a steady course. Even though at my elderly age I had been battling the elements for over two hours, I was not exhausted but was strengthened to endure. I reached the dock safely.
Truly, the Lord poured out His blessings upon me, for which I am most grateful.
— Frances A. Stones, Glines 2nd Ward, Vernal Utah Glines Stake
