Lesson 7: “[He] Took Our Infirmities, and Bare Our Sicknesses”
Mark 1:14–15, 21–45; Mark 2:1–12; Mark 4:35–41; 5:1–20; Luke 7:11–17; Mark 5:21–43.
New
Testament Class Member Study Guide; Lesson 7
• A miracle is an
extraordinary event caused by divine or spiritual power (Bible
Dictionary, “Miracles,”
732–33). Why did Jesus perform miracles during his mortal ministry? (See Matthew
9:27–30; Mark
1:27;
2:10–11; 5:19
for some answers to this question.)
• Why do you think
faith must precede miracles? Why don’t miracles alone provide a firm foundation
for faith?
• Why are the
miracles that Jesus performed during his mortal life important to you? Why is
it important to know that he continues to perform miracles today? What are some
examples of modern miracles?
Invite family members to tell of miracles that have
occurred in their lives or the lives of people they know.
2 Nephi 27:23 / Mark 1:34 / 3 Nephi 17:5-10 / Ether 12:12 / Mormon 9:15-21
- Jesus travels through Galilee teaching the gospel and performing miracles.
- Jesus forgives a man's sins and heals the man of palsy.
- Jesus calms the sea, casts out devils, and raises the son of the widow of Nain from the dead.
- Jesus heals a woman with an issue of blood and raises Jairus's daughter from the dead.
BACKGROUND
ABOUT MARK
Author:
Numerous early documents identify Mark as the author of this Gospel, even
though he is not identified as such within the book. The Prophet Joseph Smith
entitled the book, “The Testimony of St Mark” (see “Title” footnote in the LDS
Edition of the King James Bible).
For more detailed information see the entry for Mark in the Bible Dictionary (p. 728).
Audience:
Mark’s Gospel provides cultural and geographical explanations that would appeal
to a gentile (non-Jewish) audience (see Bible Dictionary, “Gospels,” pp. 683–84).
Historical
Background: Mark is usually thought to have been
the first Gospel written and may have formed a basis for much of Matthew and
Luke. The exact date it was written is unknown but “both early Christian
tradition and internal features of Mark’s record point to an origin of his
Gospel in Rome after Peter’s death (A.D. 64) and
before the final fall of the Jerusalem Temple (A.D. 70)”
(S. Kent Brown, “The Testimony of Mark,” in Studies
in Scripture: Volume Five, the Gospels, ed. Kent P. Jackson and
Robert L. Millet [1986], 67).
Unique
Features: The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of
the four Gospels. It is a fast-moving account that emphasizes what the Savior
did more than what He said. Mark particularly highlights the Savior’s miracles.
Over 90 percent of the material in Mark is also found in the other Gospels.
Events and teachings found in Mark but not in the other Gospels include the
parable of the seed growing secretly (see Mark 4:26–29), the fact that Jesus
was a carpenter (see Mark 6:3), the healing of a blind man at
Bethsaida (see Mark 8:22–26), and the doctrine
that signs follow those who believe (see Mark 16:17–18).
Theme:
Mark’s record testifies that Jesus Christ
was the son of God and a being of miraculous power. Mark illustrates this idea
by emphasizing the Savior’s actions.
Jesus
has been baptized and was driven into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights
and is tempted. He begins his ministry
teaching his gospel, calls disciples. As
he travels throughout Galilee teaching the gospel, he performed many miracles,
including healing the sick and casting out devils.
Which of all the Savior's miracles would you most
like to have witnessed for yourself?
Imagine the experience of watching him walk toward
you on the tempestuous waters of the Sea of Galilee, or seeing him standing on
the deck of a storm-tossed ship commanding, "Peace, be still!" What
would it have been like to eat the bread and fish so miraculously provided to
the thousands of hungry followers, or to watch the man with palsy lowered
through the roof of the house for a healing? If you were in the group at the
temple in Bountiful and heard the Savior's invitation to bring all that were
sick, and His promise to heal them, who would you bring? Why?
Consider
this question: since the Savior did not heal all the sick in the world, nor
even all the sick in Jerusalem since He clearly did not come to heal everybody
and solve every problem why do you think He performed the miracles He did
perform?
What
are miracles?
·
Miracles
defy full explanation.
·
They
are manifestations of the power of God in the lives of men.
·
They
seem to transcend natural laws, but are simply the manifestations of higher
laws not generally known to mortal men.
·
They
are one of the chief characteristics of true believers.
·
Elder
Bruce R. McConkie: "In the broadest sense, miracles embrace all those
events which are beyond the power of any presently known physical power to
produce. They are occurrences which deviate from the known laws of nature and
which transcend our knowledge of those laws....
"But in the gospel sense, miracles are those occurrences wrought by the
power of God which are wholly beyond the power of man to perform. Produced by a
supernatural power, they are marvels, wonders, and signs, which cannot be
duplicated by man's present powers or by any powers which he can obtain by
scientific advancements. Miracles in the gospel sense are gifts of the Spirit;
they take place when the Lord on his own motion manifests his powers or when
man by faith prevails upon Deity to perform supernatural events." (Mormon
Doctrine, p506)
WHAT
TYPES OF MIRACLES ARE THERE?
·
Enoch
and the brother of Jared had the faith to change the course of rivers and move
mountains.
·
Moses
parted the Red Sea.
·
Joshua
stopped the sun in its course.
·
Elijah
called down fire to destroy his enemies.
·
Physical
healings by Christ.
·
Feeding
of the multitudes.
·
The
calming of a storm
·
The
resurrection of Christ.
·
Some latter-day
miracles:
o
Joseph
Smith casts out an evil spirit.
o
Healing
of many Saints on the banks of the Mississippi.
o
Joseph
saved from poisoning.
o
The
appearance of quail to save starving Saints
o
The
seagulls and crickets.
o
Miracles
in the lives of the faithful members of the Church
WHY
DID JESUS PERFORM HEALINGS AND OTHER MIRACLES DURING HIS MINISTRY?
·
To fulfill prophecy:
o
"...he
cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it
might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took
our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses" (Matthew 8:16-17).
·
To reveal his authority to the people:
o
"And
when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out
of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among
themselves, saying, what thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with
authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him"
(Mark 1:27-28).
·
Out of love and compassion for the people:
o
"And
Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith
unto him, I will; be thou clean" (Mark 1:41).
·
To build and confirm faith:
o
"Then
touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you"
(Matthew 9:29).
·
To display the power of redemption:
o
"...that
ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins" (Mark
2:10).
·
To show the power of God:
o
"Rabbi,
we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles
that thou doest, except God be with him" (John 3:2).
As we
discuss the miracles of Jesus in this lesson and in the weeks to come, consider
this thought from Elder McConkie: "We have
little conception of the number of healings Jesus wrought. Multitudes thronged
his way day after day, bringing their diseased and deformed, their lame and
decrepit, their deaf and their blind. All these were healed as faith and desire
warranted. Even their dead were subject to Jesus' will."No attempt is made by the Gospel authors to record Jesus' many miracles. Only selected samples are set forth in the scriptures. The obvious plan of the inspired authors is to preserve illustrations of his purposes and powers, and surely the wide variety of healings and miraculous performances that they chose to record do attest to his power and control over all things." (Mortal Messiah, 2:36)
The Miracles of Jesus Christ
MARK
1:21-27. Jesus casts out an unclean spirit.
WHY WERE THE PEOPLE AMAZED AT JESUS' TEACHING AND HIS ABILITY TO CAST OUT UNCLEAN SPIRITS?
WHY WERE THE PEOPLE AMAZED AT JESUS' TEACHING AND HIS ABILITY TO CAST OUT UNCLEAN SPIRITS?
The people were accustomed to their teachers and scribes. They did not
have the authority to cast out unclean spirits or perform miracles. When they
saw this greater teacher come among them and perform that which had not been
performed in Israel in generations, they were amazed. He taught them as one that had
authority. They were in awe of the new
doctrine and wondered where this man (Christ) got this authority.
BY WHAT AUTHORITY
DID JESUS TEACH AND PERFORM MIRACLES?
By the authority of the priesthood, which the scribes did not have.
By the authority of the priesthood, which the scribes did not have.
Elder James E. Talmage: "A
striking characteristic of Christ's ministry was the entire absence of any
claim of human authorization for His words or deeds; the commission He
professed to have was that of the Father who sent Him." (Jesus the Christ,
p249)
Christ then goes out of the synagogue in Capernaum
to the home of Simon Peter and Andrew, with James and John. Simon Peter’s mother-in-law is very sick with
a fever. He took her by the hand, lifted
her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
Then when the sun set more people came. The whole town gathered at the front door and
brought unto him all that were diseased and them that were possessed with
devils. He healed them that night.
The next day he rose early to go be alone and to
pray. Simon Peter and those with him
followed him, and when they found him, they said all men seek for thee. Christ says let’s go to the next town so I
can continue to share the gospel.
He then goes to Galilee and preaches and heals
people and the leper that comes to him.
ACCORDING MARK 1:41, WHAT WAS ONE REASON JESUS HEALED THE LEPER?
To show compassion and make the leper clean.
To show compassion and make the leper clean.
Jesus
performed many miracles directly blessed just one person.
WHAT DO THESE INCIDENTS DEMONSTRATE ABOUT HOW JESUS FEELS ABOUT US INDIVIDUALLY?
WHEN HAVE YOU FELT CHRISTLIKE LOVE?
HOW DO YOU DEVELOP CHRISTLIKE LOVE FOR OTHERS?
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU HAVE TO DEVELOP AND SHOW CHRISTLIKE LOVE?
HOW DO YOU DEVELOP CHRISTLIKE LOVE FOR OTHERS?
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU HAVE TO DEVELOP AND SHOW CHRISTLIKE LOVE?
MARK
2:1-12. Healing of a man with palsy.
WHAT WAS AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT IN THE HEALING OF THIS MAN?
The faith of others. They believed enough to take the man with palsy to the Lord. Because of the crowd, it was necessary for them to use extraordinary measures to get their friend to Jesus.
WHAT WAS AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT IN THE HEALING OF THIS MAN?
The faith of others. They believed enough to take the man with palsy to the Lord. Because of the crowd, it was necessary for them to use extraordinary measures to get their friend to Jesus.
HOW CAN WE EXERCISE
FAITH IN BEHALF OF OTHERS?
We have all had the experience of fasting and praying in behalf of family or friends who are ill. Alma exercised faith in behalf of his son. Recall the words of the angel when he appeared to Alma, "And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith" (Mosiah 27:14).
We have all had the experience of fasting and praying in behalf of family or friends who are ill. Alma exercised faith in behalf of his son. Recall the words of the angel when he appeared to Alma, "And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith" (Mosiah 27:14).
As James taught, "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20). Our faith is made effectual by our
righteousness. Such was the case with Alma when he prayed for his son. He was
actively serving the Lord and keeping the commandments. As we strive to do the
will of the Lord, we are giving life to our faith.
HOW HAS THE FAITH
OF OTHERS HELPED YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW?
WHAT DID SOME OF
THE SCRIBES THINK WHEN JESUS TOLD THE MAN WITH PALSY THAT HIS SINS WERE
FORGIVEN?
"But there were certain of the
scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, why doth this man thus
speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?" (Mark
2:6-7)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Jesus
has forgiven a man's sins. Luke's account puts the blessed words in the present
tense: 'Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.' Immediately rebellion wells up in the
hearts of the ever-present rebels. 'Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies?'
they think. 'Who can forgive sins but God only?'
"In
part, their thinking is correct. None but God can forgive sins, and if this man
is not God, then the words he has spoken are blasphemy, and according to divine
law, the penalty for such is death. If, however, this man is the Messiah, then
the prerogative he has assumed is proper, and it is within his province to
loose on earth and have it loosed eternally in the heavens. Messiah can forgive
sins because Messiah is God." (Mortal Messiah 2:50)
HOW DID JESUS RESPOND?
"...that ye may know that the Son
of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the
palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine
house." (Mark 2:10-11)
WHICH IS THE GREATER MIRACLE, TO BE HEALED OF A
PHYSICAL AFFLICTION OR HAVE ONE’S SINS FORGIVEN?
Elder James E. Talmage:
"According to one of the accounts, the Lord's first words to the afflicted
one were: 'Son, be of good cheer'; followed directly by the comforting and authoritative
assurance: 'Thy sins be forgiven thee.' The man was probably in a state of
fear; he may have known that his ailment was the result of wicked indulgences;
nevertheless, though he may have considered the possibility of hearing only
condemnation for his transgression, he had faith to be brought. In this man's
condition there was plainly a close connection between his past sins and his
present affliction; and in this particular his case is not unique, for we read
that Christ admonished another, whom He healed, to sin no more lest a worse
thing befall him." (Jesus the Christ, p192)
It was a miracle that the man was healed of palsy
and it was a miracle that he was forgiven of his sins.
THIS MIRACLE IS AVAILABLE TO EACH OF US AS WE
REPENT
WHAT GREATER HEALING POWER MIGHT BE SYMBOLIZED BY
THE SAVIOR’S PHYSCIAL HEALINGS?
HOW HAS JESUS' HEALING POWER BLESSED YOU
SPIRITUALLY?
HOW CAN WE SEEK SPIRITUAL HEALING?
WHAT ROLE DID FAITH HAVE IN THIS MIRACLE?
The Master asked, "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" But they did exercise their faith in the Lord, for they went to him and said, "Lord, save us: we perish" (Matthew 8:25). When we consider the response of his followers, they certainly did not expect the Lord to calm the storm, but they went to him believing that he could do something for them.
WHAT SPIRITUAL TRUTH MIGHT WE LEARN FROM THIS MIRACLE?
We have spiritual storms within our souls. Like his ancient apostles, we can look to the Master to calm our storms.
The Master asked, "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" But they did exercise their faith in the Lord, for they went to him and said, "Lord, save us: we perish" (Matthew 8:25). When we consider the response of his followers, they certainly did not expect the Lord to calm the storm, but they went to him believing that he could do something for them.
WHAT SPIRITUAL TRUTH MIGHT WE LEARN FROM THIS MIRACLE?
We have spiritual storms within our souls. Like his ancient apostles, we can look to the Master to calm our storms.
"And they came over unto the
other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes" (Mark
5:1).
Upon landing they were met by a man "with an unclean spirit" (Mark 5:2).
WHAT THEN HAPPENED?
WHAT SPIRITUAL TRUTH MIGHT WE LEARN FROM THIS
MIRACLE?
If we come to the Savior, as did this man with an
unclean spirit, he can cast the evil influence of Satan out of our lives.
The physical aspects of the Savior’s miracles often
symbolized spiritual truths.
1.
Mark 4:35-41 Christ calmed the sea (He
can bring us peace)
2.
Mark 5:1-20 Jesus cast out a legion of devils (He can
cast Satan and his influence out of our lives)
3.
Luke 7;11-17 Jesus raised a young man
from the dead (because of His atonement, we will rise from the dead in the
resurrection)
HOW DID THE WOMAN WITH AN ISSUE OF BLOOD SHOW HER
FAITH?
She touched his garment.
She touched his garment.
WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF HER HEALING?
It was her faith in Jesus’ power, not the act of touching his garment that caused her to be healed.
It was her faith in Jesus’ power, not the act of touching his garment that caused her to be healed.
Prior to the healing of the woman, Jairus, one of
the rulers of the synagogue, came to Jesus and asked him to come and heal his
daughter who was near the point of death (Mark
5:22-23).
HOW DID JAIRUS SHOW HIS FAITH IN THE SAVIOR?
This ruler of the synagogue was humble enough to
approach the Master and request this great blessing.
Even when Jairus learned of the death of his
daughter, he went with the Savior to his home. We do not hear a protest from
Jairus saying that his daughter was dead. He returned to his home with the
Master.
When Jairus learned of the death of his daughter,
Jesus said "Be not afraid, only believe" (Mark
5:36).
HOW CAN WE APPLY THESE WORDS IN OUR LIFE?
Jairus was facing one of the greatest calamities in life, the death of a child. From time to time we face great challenges. It may have to do with our health or the health of a loved one, a spiritual challenge, the loss of income, or any number of other things. Such challenges may trouble our spirit and even cause fear. The Savior instructs us to believe. As we believe in him by giving heed to his words and turning to the Father in prayer, the Master can ease the fear and calm the tempest that rages within us.
Jairus was facing one of the greatest calamities in life, the death of a child. From time to time we face great challenges. It may have to do with our health or the health of a loved one, a spiritual challenge, the loss of income, or any number of other things. Such challenges may trouble our spirit and even cause fear. The Savior instructs us to believe. As we believe in him by giving heed to his words and turning to the Father in prayer, the Master can ease the fear and calm the tempest that rages within us.
"And Jesus went about all Galilee
teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom; and
healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of diseases among the people
which believed on his name." (JST Matthew 4:23)
WHY
DO YOU THINK FAITH MUST PRECEDE MIRACLES?
WHY
DON’T MIRACLES ALONE PROVIDE A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR FAITH?
Brigham
Young said: “Miracles, or these extraordinary manifestations of the power of
God, are not for the unbeliever; they are to console the Saints, and to
strengthen and confirm the faith of those who love, fear, and serve God”
(Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1941], 341).
WHY ARE THE MIRACLES THAT JESUS PERFORMED DURING HIS MORTAL LIFE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
WHY
IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT HE CONTINUES TO PERFORM MIRACLES TODAY?
WHAT
ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF MODERN MIRACLES?
FAMILY HOME EVENING SUGGESTION
Miracles
What is a miracle? Discuss examples from the scriptures, your family history, or your life. Then read “A Miraculous Escape from Danger” (June 2007 Liahona and Friend). What dangers and challenges exist in the world you face? Think of this story the next time you are confronted with a bad situation. Remember that the Lord hears prayers and can help you anytime, anywhere.
What is a miracle? Discuss examples from the scriptures, your family history, or your life. Then read “A Miraculous Escape from Danger” (June 2007 Liahona and Friend). What dangers and challenges exist in the world you face? Think of this story the next time you are confronted with a bad situation. Remember that the Lord hears prayers and can help you anytime, anywhere.
A Miraculous Escape from Danger
By Myra Hawke Dyck
Based on a true story
“It is by faith that miracles are wrought” (Moroni 7:37).
It was a sunny spring afternoon, a week after my eighth birthday—a perfect day for a bike ride. My sister Marla, our friend Lisa, and I headed out on a backcountry road that was part of my family’s cattle ranch in British Columbia, Canada. The mountaintops glowed as the sun reflected off their snowcapped peaks. Excitement filled my chest as I pedaled.
I had been riding a two-wheeler for only about a week, so I was still a little shaky. The first part of the road was smooth dirt, flattened by regular tractor and hay-wagon trips. As the road wound past the thick green alfalfa fields, we began to pedal faster. I felt strong and free, coasting through the fresh mountain breeze.
Then we came to a division in the road. We could keep going straight along the edge of the field, or we could turn and take the road that went along the creek at the base of the mountain. We decided to take the more adventurous route.
Marla and I had been on this road several times before with our family, but this was my first time riding a bike here. I was a little nervous as my bike jiggled across a cattle guard, a ditch covered with evenly spaced bars to keep cows from crossing. I pedaled hard to stay with Marla and Lisa. The sunlight pierced through the majestic pine trees, creating a cheerful, bright pattern on the bumpy path.
As the road became rockier, I became more nervous. I was having a hard time keeping my balance. I wondered if the rocks would puncture my tires.
“I think maybe we should go back,” I said.
“Why?” Marla asked. “Are you scared?”
I would never admit to my older sister that I was afraid. “No. I just don’t want to get a flat tire.”
“Well, you can go back if you want, but we are going to keep going,” she said.
“Bye,” I called as I turned my bike around.
“We’ll see you at home,” Marla said. “We probably won’t go too much farther.”
I started toward home, all alone. The patterns on the road did not seem so cheerful now. I was suddenly aware of the strange sounds coming from the dark forest. But knowing that the comfort of home was near, I pedaled on. I was almost to the cattle guard when I sensed someone behind me. “Marla and Lisa must have decided to come home too,” I realized with relief. “Now I won’t have to ride home alone.” Swinging my leg over my bike, I stopped and turned around to see where they were. Marla and Lisa were nowhere in sight, but walking straight toward me was a black bear!
I froze. My bike clanked to the ground. All the advice I had ever heard about bears rushed through my mind. Don’t run or it will chase you. You can never outrun a bear. I started to walk slowly backwards.
Make noise to scare the bear away. Yell and bang two rocks together. I scanned the ground near my feet—no rocks, just dirt. I clapped my hands as hard as I could. But I could not yell. My throat felt tight. The bear kept walking toward me.
Pray. Throughout my life I had been taught to pray. My Sunday School teacher had even asked us what we should do if we saw a bear, and she had emphasized prayer. I had been taught to pray with my head bowed and eyes closed, but that was impossible now. I kept my eyes on the bear and silently prayed: “Heavenly Father, please help me! Please save me from this bear! Please help me know what to do.”
Praying and clapping, I walked slowly backward toward the cattle guard. Maybe if a cow couldn’t cross it, a bear would have trouble too. Maybe it would trip, giving me a chance to run home! I stepped carefully across the widely spaced beams.
The bear snorted and drooled. I watched as it followed me easily across the cattle guard. It rose onto its hind legs. I stood horrified as the grunting bear came toward me with outstretched paws. It towered over me, and I could see its sharp, wet teeth. Suddenly, the bear swiped for my head! I screamed as its large, curled claws got tangled in my hair and jerked me to the ground. I jumped back up. The bear, on all fours again, bit my inner thigh and pulled me down. It started dragging me across the road.
By then, Marla and Lisa had found me. Marla tried to distract the bear, but nothing worked. In seconds, the bear had dragged me across the dirt road to the base of the mountain. It surely would have pulled me into the thick bushes, but suddenly my pants ripped. They tore into two pieces, from front to back, even through the elastic waistband. Miraculously, its teeth had not punctured my skin. I leaped up. “Run!” a voice said to my mind.
I ran toward Marla and Lisa, leaving the bear with my pant leg in its mouth. Pantless and wearing only one shoe, I ran as fast as an Olympic track star. I overtook Marla and Lisa, who were also running. We lunged into the bushes and raced toward the creek. The thorny brambles scratched my legs, but I didn’t slow down.
Without pausing or looking back, I crossed a barbed-wire fence and sloshed into the creek. I lost my other shoe when it got wedged under a log. Almost home, I plunged through the water and ran across the wet cow corral. I squeezed through a fence and sprinted up the porch steps and through the front door.
My parents bombarded me with questions when they saw me without shoes or pants and covered with scratches.
“What happened?” Mom cried.
“Where are your pants?” Dad asked. “How did you get all those scratches?”
Still afraid, I couldn’t catch my breath. Stuttering, gasping, and crying, I finally managed, “I … ah … buh … buh … bear!”
Marla and Lisa ran onto the porch, and Marla told Mom and Dad what she had seen. Trying to calm me, Mom helped me into a warm bath.
Later that evening, clean and safe, we discussed the terrifying event. My palms were blue with bruises from clapping so hard, and my legs were covered in scratches from the bushes, but I had no marks from the bear. Its claws had brushed my head, and its teeth had gripped my leg, but my skin had not been broken. If the bear’s claws had been any closer to my head or if its teeth had bitten into my thigh, I could have been seriously hurt and would not have been able to run away.
I know Heavenly Father heard my prayers that day, and I know I heard the voice of the Holy Ghost telling me to run. Heavenly Father blessed me with a miracle.
[Be More Believing]
“As a result of the many miracles in our lives, we should be more humble and more grateful, more kind and more believing.” President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95), “The God That Doest Wonders,” Ensign, May 1989, 17.
