This week’s Come Follow Me lesson includes the telling of Jesus calming the sea. Insights from it have relevant applications to Paragraph 3 of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” where we’re taught “In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could:
* obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience
* progress toward perfection
* gain earthly experience.
* ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life
Matthew’s account relates that the disciples were very afraid when a fierce storm threatened them at sea. All the while, Jesus slept. Like the disciples, none of us escape cruel and frightening storms. Such experiences are “… not unique to the rich or the poor, to one culture, one nation, or one generation. They come to all …” (Neil L Anderson, Wounded, 2018) Even in the safety of the boat, we find ourselves incredibly frightened. Yet, they were all on that boat because they were willing to follow His plan. We also have willingly come to earth to gain experience, knowing it would be through storms that would be frightening.
•Progress toward perfection:
Like the disciples turned to Jesus, in their panic, expressing their need, we take important steps and “progress toward perfection” by turning to Him for help. Elder Anderson reminds us that “God did not create our spirits to be independent of Him.” Our perfection is pending and only possible though Jesus’ rescue and relief.
•Realize divine destiny:
And when (not if) the rescue comes, behold the miracle. Peace, be still with the knowledge we have for the destiny we all have the potential to realize.
“Sisters and brothers, our current challenging circumstances are not our final, eternal destination. … We have every reason to rejoice, for our Lord and Savior is keenly aware of our troubles, cares, and sorrows. As Jesus was with His disciples of old, He is in our boat!” (Lisa L. Harkness, 2020)
Art: Yongsung Kim