"God created man in His own image."

We lived as spirits in a pre-mortal existence with God our Father and His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. There as brothers and sisters most of us chose the plan to come to earth and to obtain a mortal body. We learned and rejoiced in the opportunity for wonderful experiences that could be ours. We also learned of the trials that might be through given circumstances and through choices we and others might make.

We learned of the need for a Savior who would bear are sins, our sorrows and pains. Who would also know of our joys and triumphs. Only through Him might we find true happiness and the course to take us back to our Heavenly home when our time was completed on this Earth.

Though children of God, we have forgotten who we are and what we are capable of. Through trials can come despair but through faith we discover hope. In this world, we need to rely upon faith to get us through the storms as we trust in Christ, to become more like Him. In believing and following His example we become Christians. In Jesus' example we learn the importance of "focusing on Him" in the midst of trials to make it through those storms. Often, as much as we wish to be taken out of the trial, it is more likely we can be guided through it as we trust in our Savior and keep our focus on Him.

Note the example of Peter in the account of Matthew of Jesus walking on water.

His disciples were in the ship on the dark sea being tossed to and fro with the wind and the waves. Soon they saw what they thought was a spirit walking on the sea and they were fearful. Notice how Jesus is quick to comfort in the storm saying, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."

Peter wanting to be with him asks if he can come to the Lord. The Savior of the world invites all of us to come unto Him for He is the answer for peace in our storms. Inviting Peter, he came down out of the ship on the water to be with Jesus. In his journey, Peter became distracted and fearful by the waves and the storm and soon that became his focus. Fear...not faith became the focus. He began to sink. Peter cried, "Lord, save me!"

Jesus immediately stretched forth His hand and caught him. and said unto him, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt." (Matthew 14:25-31)

Even when Peter's faith wavered, Jesus was still there for him and gently reminded Peter and all of us to have faith in the storms of life. To keep our focus on Him until we have made it safely home.

Learn more about this author, William David.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Facing a storm as a Christian?
We want to hear your view. Write now!