The Miracle of Forgiveness

Because our Heavenly Father loves us, He sent His son Jesus Christ to provide a way for us to become clean and live with Him again. A way has been provided for us to overcome our weaknesses and to get rid of the guilt, pain, and remorse that accompanies sin; that way is called Repentance.

No matter where we are at in life, no matter what we have done or what we have been through, we can always repent and come unto Christ. We learn in the Book of Mormon that "...as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me." (Mosiah 26:30) But why does He offer that? Why will He always forgive us and why does He want to forgive us? Because He loves us. He wants us to feel joy and peace and that can only come by the power of repentance. I testify that He stands with open arms waiting to receive us. If we will get on our knees and plead with Him, He will be there to comfort us and to fill us with peace, happiness, and love. This is the Miracle of Forgiveness.

The Consequences of Doubt and Fear

In Matthew 14 we read a story that we have all probably heard and read a hundred times. The apostles are out in the sea and they see someone walking out toward them on the water. This is where the story picks up. "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?" (Matt.14:27-31)

   It was only recently that I noticed the specific things that caused Peter to fall. When Peter started out, he was fine; he was walking. But then two things happen. First, he fears because of the boisterous wind and second, as Jesus later points out, he doubts. These two simple things are what Satan uses to counteract the uplifting and positive affects of the spirit.

    We each have untold potential. Satan knows this, so he will use any tactic he can in order to get us to fear and doubt ourselves. But if we will hold firm to our trust in God, then these deceptions and false 'winds' can never pull us down. If we trust that through God all things are possible, then we can never fall. So if you ever feel lonely, or scared, or like you aren't good enough, remember where those thoughts are coming from and pray to your Father in Heaven and I promise help will come. Just as Peter sank and received help from Christ, we too can receive the same help if we reach out for it. I testify that as you do so you will feel his arms around you as you grow closer to Him and rely more on Him. For "...with God all things are possible." (Matt. 19:26)