Human In All Our Ways And All Our Pains

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ is for all mankind, where ever we may be and whatever the background. It includes repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Without any of these things we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven, but first and foremost comes faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement. That belief and trust in him as shown through our actions and desires is the first step for anyone, all other steps coming after and through that person's faith.

One of the greatest stories on this faith came to mind as I was reading through the New Testament this morning and came upon the story where Jesus is walking on the water towards his apostles who are in the boat of a storm tossed sea as found in Matthew 14.

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?

Why do I bring this story up in regards to faith? Jesus himself chastised Peter after catching him, saying that he had, "little faith" which we know because he had started to sink even after successfully taking a few steps.

However, I would just like to point out that you didn't read about any of the other Apostles even having the faith to set foot outside of the boat! Only Peter had faith great enough to even take that first step, to believe so wholly upon his Master and Savior that he climbed out of the relative safety of his boat and walked on water towards his rock and his Redeemer.

It was only when Peter took his sight off of Jesus that he began to sink. Only when he let his faith waiver and allowed the world to take his focus off the Lord did it all come undone. We too can be like Peter at times. We need to focus, stay alert, and always keep our mind on the Lord so as to not "sink" in this world we live in.

I know that if we call out unto Christ to be bade to walk out onto the water just as Peter did, the Lord will grant our request and see us safely through all things. I have seen it and I have lived it. Exercise faith unto actions of prayer, reading his word, and going to his holy house and you will find miracles.  As we "Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ", I know we will all find what we are really looking for.