Jul 3, 2023

I am inspired by the ancient Apostle Peter. We know well that after he denied the Savior three times, “Peter went out, and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62). However, Peter’s resolution to repent and stand as a witness of Jesus Christ to the end of his life should be remembered.

One account is particularly comforting to me. As a lame man was “laid daily at the gate of the temple . . . to ask alms of them that entered into the temple . . . Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed” (Acts 3:2, 4–5). Truly, what happened next was miraculous. Peter “took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:7–8).

This story has been important to me as our family goes through a challenging time. My brother-in-law, Craig, at 38 years old, has been fighting colon cancer for the last four years. Recently, Craig received news that his cancer treatments were no longer helping, and he has yet a short time to live.

To me, this news felt like a heavy blanket of impending doom. Needing comfort, I petitioned the Lord, and my mind caught hold of something glorious. Suddenly, my sadness turned to joy as I envisioned Craig being received by our Savior, family, and the great ancients—even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I envisioned Craig shoulder to shoulder with Joseph Smith in his restored athletic form; leaping through heaven, he was about his Father’s work.

I witness we are strengthened in prayer by the Holy Ghost to feel joy. I witness our Savior wants to heal us. I witness Jesus Christ is our hope. Despite us being lame, crippled, or imperfect, the Prince of Life—even the giver of new life—wants to bring us lovingly home.

Just as God raised up His Apostles to stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ, we are His witnesses too. Wilford Woodruff once testified, “Without shame I stood the gospel to declare.”¹

Rachel teaches English courses at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, where she is completing her master’s degree in Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric. She loves spending time with her family, and the thrill of traveling.