When Joseph Smith taught the School of Prophets he explained that we needed to understand the nature of God in order to have or put faith in Him. One defining moment in my life was when this situation came to mind. When you read this situation think about if you were the Father/Mother of this child. What would you do to save their life?
You are taking your family out on the lake to go boating. Before you get out on the water you instruct your child about the dangers of not wearing a life vest. Because of their age they are unable to swim so this life vest is vital. You tell them to put it on and explain that it is for their safety. The child obediently puts it on and you take the boat out on the water. After a while the child decides to take off the life vest. You tell the child to put the life vest back on. The child refuses. Just then a strong wind arises and the boat tips sending your child into the water. What would you do?
When you put things in this scenario, it is obvious that any loving parent would do everything possible to save their Child; even if it meant possibly giving up their own life to do so. I find it hard to believe that a loving parent would say, “I warned you to put on your life vest but you disobeyed so now you get to suffer the consequences… too bad you drown.”
I believe our Loving Heavenly Father is just that, Loving! He gives us commandments and often we disobey. The commandments are there for our safety and for protection. But even in rebellion and disobedience the Lord is doing everything possible to save us!
In a life of so much uncertainty, I have faith and hope that Heavenly Father is not only patient, long suffering and forgiving, but is there to help us when we fall and is cheering for us to get up and “win the race.” Christ taught us that he leaves the ninety and nine to go after the one! (Luke 15) He is always there, ever stretching His hand out to us to save us from the treacherous waters of this life!
