His Hand Ready to Help Us
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What childhood experience does Elder Villar use to illustrate his message?
- How does Elder Villar describe the Savior's power over the adversary?
- In what ways does the Savior minister to us according to Elder Villar?
- What lesson does Elder Villar draw from Peter's experience walking on water?
- How does Elder Villar describe the Savior's persistence in helping us?
Topics
Recognize the Savior's Power Over Adversity
Elder Villar emphasizes that in life, we face challenges that may seem insurmountable, akin to the powerful waves he experienced as a child. He reassures us that Jesus Christ has power over all adversities and can help us overcome any situation. By reaching out in faith, we can trust that the Savior will lift us to safety.
Those "malicious waves" could jostle us from side to side. But do not forget who has power over those waves and, in fact, over all things. That is our Savior, Jesus Christ.
- What does Elder Villar compare to the "malicious waves" in our lives?
- How does the Savior demonstrate His power over adversity?
- Can you think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by challenges? How did you seek the Savior's help?
- What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in the Savior's power over adversity?
Follow the Savior's Ministering Example
Elder Villar highlights Jesus Christ as the perfect example of ministering. He encourages us to not only be present for those in need but to actively reach out and provide assistance, guided by the Holy Ghost. This includes offering both temporal and spiritual support as needed.
Occasionally, we think that we only need to be there for someone in need, and many times there is more we can do.
- What does Elder Villar say about simply "being there" for someone?
- How can we discern the type of help someone needs?
- Reflect on a recent opportunity you had to minister to someone. How did you follow the Savior's example?
- How can you improve your ability to receive revelation for ministering to others?
Trust in the Savior's Readiness to Rescue Us
Elder Villar recounts the story of Peter walking on water to illustrate the Savior's readiness to help us when we call out to Him. He assures us that Jesus Christ is our Rescuer and will save us from our fallen state and temporal challenges as we exercise faith in Him.
If we think celestial, we will receive the confirmation in our hearts that Jesus Christ is indeed our Rescuer, our Advocate with the Father, and our Redeemer.
- How did the Savior respond to Peter's plea for help?
- What assurance does Elder Villar give about the Savior's role as our Rescuer?
- When have you experienced the Savior's rescuing hand in your life?
- What can you do to strengthen your trust in the Savior's readiness to help you?
Acknowledge the Savior's Persistence
Elder Villar draws a parallel between his brother's persistence in teaching him to face the waves and the Savior's persistence in helping us. He reassures us that Jesus Christ will never give up on us and will continue to provide help as often as needed.
If we think celestial, we will realize that our Savior will be there as many times as necessary to provide help if we want to learn, change, overcome, cope, or succeed.
- How does Elder Villar compare his brother's actions to the Savior's persistence?
- What does Elder Villar say about the Savior's willingness to help us?
- In what areas of your life do you feel the need for the Savior's persistent help?
- How can you show gratitude for the Savior's unwavering support?
Reflect on the Symbolism of the Savior's Hands
Elder Villar reflects on the symbolism of the Savior's hands, pierced for our sake, as a constant reminder of His sacrifice and readiness to help us. He encourages us to have faith and turn to the Savior, trusting that His hand is always extended to us.
His hand will always be there for us, even if we cannot see it or feel it at first, because He was chosen by our Heavenly Father to be our Savior, the Redeemer of all humankind.
- What do the prints in the Savior's hands symbolize?
- How does Elder Villar describe the Savior's readiness to help us?
- How does the symbolism of the Savior's hands impact your faith in His willingness to help you?
- What can you do to more fully rely on the Savior's help in your daily life?
