Getting through the hard times like Peter

Have you ever gone through a really difficult time in your life and wondered how you were ever going to get through it? I have. Several times I have either put myself in a difficult circumstance or life happens and I find myself in the middle of tribulation. There is a lesson I have learned to assist me as I journey through the storms of life. I know that I do not have to go through it alone. Being alone is horrible and you feel hopeless. In times of darkness, I prefer to have the Savior help me through it. Through the Atonement, He knows how I feel and can console me and give me guidance as I swim through the mirky waters of life. This week, Peter shows faith as he calls out to the Savior when he is sinking and Jesus immediately, without hesitation, reaches to save. Jesus Christ will do that for each of us.

Choice 3: Matthew 14:22–33. Walking on the Sea

1. Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

In verse 26, it says the apostles “were troubled”. I interpret this to be confused. It isn’t normal for someone to be walking on water and for sure not walking on the top of the sea. I believe the apostles were puzzled as to what they were seeing.

2. What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

I see Peter’s response as an act of faith to even get out of the boat and to think he could also walk on the water towards the Savior is to be commended. He wanted to be with the Lord.

3. According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

Peter began to sink because of the natural elements around him. The wind gusting and took his attention off the Lord. Starting to doubt his ability to walk on the water towards the Lord and having faith that no matter what was happening that the Lord would come to his aid.

4. What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

Peter cried out to the Lord, “save me” as he was sinking. As he was sinking and feeling doomed, Jesus reached for him “immediately” and caught him.

5. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

Peter heard the Master’s voice to come to Him. Jesus wasn’t so close so that Peter would have recognized who Jesus was and when Peter asked the Lord if it was He, Peter responded to the Lord's invitation to “come.” (Matt 14:29) In Doctrine and Covenants 88:67, the Lord says, “my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth;” Peter heard and felt the Lord’s voice. He recognized Jesus’ voice. When I go through the storms of life, I can hear and feel the Savior’s voice calming me and giving me instruction if I am listening. I know I can do hard things with the Savior’s assistance. When I doubt my own ability, I seek my Savior’s help and He has always assisted me through the difficulty. He has taught me how to trust and rely on Him. I, being in the wilderness of life, need to live in a way to hear the Master’s voice. For He is mighty to save.