The power to save

One summer, my husband and I were boating the length of Tustamena Lake. We had been hiking at the far end of the lake and were returning in a Zodiak pontoon boat with a powerful motor. A storm blew in when we were about half-way across the lake, producing five-foot swells. As we ascended each wave, we could see the way ahead, and then we plummeted back into the swell’s valley, where we had no visibility. With a prayer in my heart, and my husband’s superb boating skills, we rode over swell after swell and finally made it safely to the other shore.

In a storm that was probably worse, during nighttime conditions and in a sailing vessel instead of a motorboat, Jesus’s disciples were battling a storm. During the “fourth watch,” Jesus came to them. He came from the same shore they had left behind the evening before. He arrived at their boat in an unusual way, walking on water across the dark sea--walking on elements that don’t typically hold a person up. I have been interested in Jesus’s choice to walk to his disciples. Perhaps it was an illustration that he controlled the elements, a witness of his divinity as Savior and Creator (See Mathew 14:22-33.)

At Peter’s request, Jesus allowed Peter to try walking on water. Peter was able to walk toward Jesus. As Peter’s focus shifted from the Savior to the threatening sea below him, Peter began to sink into the sea. Jesus took Peter’s hand and easily lifted him back to safety.

This event illustrates how important it is for us to stay focused on the Savior if we want his help. Jesus had the power to control the waters, and He has the power to help us.

During times of easy sailing, remembering and focusing on Jesus is fairly simple. Everything testifies of God’s awareness of us, and his love for us. During turbulent times, we struggle to stay focused on Jesus and his infinite love for us. Like Peter, we can be distracted when the storm is swirling around us, and the sea is dark and troubled beneath us. We can lose hope and see our faith dwindle.

How can we stay focused on our all-powerful Savior during challenging times? The key is to stay focused on the divine life and mission of Jesus Christ.

Walking in the path Jesus set by following his commandments–as out of style as they may become–is one key to staying focused on the Savior. I do this by reading and thinking about God’s words, attending weekly church services, changing my life when I find myself out of harmony with the teachings of Jesus, and trying to help others around me. A good place to start is with the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament.

Learning to recognize the voice of revelation in our lives helps us stay close to the Savior. I have found that waiting after I pray to hear the Lord’s voice has blessed me with inspiration and instruction. I have followed the counsel of Russell M. Nelson, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as I write down the inspiration I receive. This has helped me hear the voice of the Lord in my life. For more ideas on hearing the voice of the Lord in your life you can look up “Hear Him” on YouTube and “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives” by Russell M. Nelson on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

I have found that memorizing scriptures helps renew my faith. I have memorized scriptures from the New and Old Testament over the years. The Holy Spirit can testify of these eternal truths as I review them in my mind. I also enjoy memorizing “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” (available online at ChurchofJesusChrist.org). It is a beautiful summary of the life and mission of Jesus Christ. It begins and ends like this:

“…We offer our testimony of the reality of [Jesus Christ’s] matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth. He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. ‘All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made’ (John 1:3)….

“We testify that He will someday return to earth. ‘And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together’ (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him.”

Like Peter, we can strengthen our focus on Jesus Christ, which will remove our fear when we are in the midst of our own kind of storm. Jesus Christ is our all-powerful Savior, Redeemer and Friend. We can trust that He has our best interest in his capable and powerful hands during both smooth sailing and stormy seas. As we keep our focus on Him, He will reach out to us when we need help, and He will lead us “beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). May you have a faith-filled and blessed New Year.

Beth Wright enjoys cross-country skiing, winter hikes, and family. She believes in Jesus Christ and loves being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.