Father, I Need Help! *

Over the past few months I have been really struggling, but this week, I was having a particularly hard week. Frustrations had been built up from continually succumbing to temptations despite how hard I felt I had been working. I had been doing so much to try to prevent and combat the temptations that so easily do beset me.

The frustrating results, or lack thereof, sucked me into more negative thinking and more giving in to the adversary. Depression was setting in, and my desires to continue fighting were dwindling with each negative thought of futility and depression. My only thought while in prayer was a somewhat reluctant, "Father, I need help. Please help me."

I was a bit disinclined to keep my appointment with my Bishop, knowing that I had not been very successful, and that I would most likely vent my frustrations and despair.  However, deep down I knew that I continually needed help, and my Bishop was inspired of God to help me. I met with him, and I did, in fact, unload my frustrations and negative emotions about what I have been going through.

He patiently listened, then he lovingly asked about what in my life was going well. After listening to me expound on a few areas of my life that were going well, my Bishop helped me to realize that Christ was indeed carrying me through. He had been carrying me because He loves me and He sees how hard I have been working.

My Bishop then opened the scriptures to 1 Nephi 18:15-16,21-22 and it reads:

 15. And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.

16. Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.

21. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.

22. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.

My Bishop helped me realize that God's hand is in my life more than I sometimes give Him credit for. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are carrying me right now through this hard time, and I need to do a better job at recognizing that fact and have patience. When I do that, the Lord can change my heart, the winds will cease, and I will continue to sail towards the promised land.

When I got home, I immediately fell to my knees and cried unto my God. The theme of that emotional prayer on the floor of my room was, "Who am I to murmur?" I apologized for overlooking what He has done for me, and I expressed gratitude for what He has blessed me with. I thanked Him for answering my prayer of, "Father, I need help. Please help me."

* Written by Brandon, a trusted friend.

    P.S. The receipt of this story was a tender mercy for me and an answer to prayer.