W03 Insight Sharing: Share It! - New Testament (8/16/2025)

 Introduction: Learning from the Savior's Life 

As I studied the New Testament scriptures this week, focusing on Matthew 14-18, Mark 6:14-56, Luke 9:7-62, and John 6-10, I found myself inspired by the examples of faith, sacrifice, and trust in Jesus Christ. These chapters show how the Savior invites us to grow spiritually by trusting Him in challenging times, committing fully to discipleship, and seeking fulfillment through His gospel. In this blog, I want to share specific scripture stories that touched me, a quote from modern-day prophets that helped me understand better, a personal experience that strengthened my own faith, and finally, my testimony of Jesus Christ's power and grace. 

Faith Tested: Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14)

One of the most memorable stories in Matthew 14 is when Peter walks on water toward Jesus. The disciples are caught in a storm, struggling against strong winds and waves. Suddenly, Jesus appears, walking on the sea. Peter, acting on faith, steps out of the boat and walks on the water toward the Savior. For a moment, he experiences the miracle of faith in action. However, when Peter notices the storm and begins to focus on the wind and waves instead of Jesus, fear creeps in, and he starts to sink. Peter cries out, "Lord, save me!" and Jesus immediately reaches out His hand to rescue him. This story illustrates how faith can empower us to do the impossible, but also warns of the danger of letting fear and doubt take over. It reminds me personally that when I focus on the Savior during my challenges, He strengthens me, and if I falter, He is always ready to lift me back up. 

Miracles from Small Offerings: Feeding the Five Thousand (Mark 6) 

 In Mark chapter 6, the miracle of Jesus feeding five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish stands out as a beautiful lesson about faith and gratitude. The disciples expressed concern about how they could feed such a large crowd with so little food. Jesus took what was offered, gave thanks, and then gave it to the people. Everyone ate and was satisfied, and afterward, the disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. This story teaches me that when we bring our small, seemingly insignificant offerings to the Lord, He has the power to multiply them far beyond our expectations. It also helps me realize that we should approach the challenges and opportunities of life with gratitude and faith, trusting that Jesus can bless and expand what we have to serve His purposes and help others. 

Commitment to Discipleship: Take Up Your Cross Daily (Luke 9) 

Luke 9 contains the vital teaching where Jesus invites those who want to follow Him to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. This call to discipleship is not casual or temporary. It requires ongoing sacrifice, conscious choices, and dedication every single day. Jesus teaches that becoming His disciples means more than belief; it means living with humility, serving others, and enduring trials for His sake. This concept often feels challenging, but it also offers deep fulfillment and purpose. Through this teaching, I have learned that true discipleship is a daily commitment. When I focus on following Christ with this mindset, I find more joy and meaning in my life, even through difficult experiences. 

The Bread of Life: Spiritual Nourishment in Christ (John 6) 

In John 6, Jesus teaches with great clarity that He is the Bread of Life. He invites everyone who is spiritually hungry to come to Him for nourishment that lasts forever. Those who believe in Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. This teaching reassures me that no matter what emptiness or struggles I face, turning to Jesus provides the true peace and strength I need. It motivates me to nurture my relationship with the Savior through prayer, scripture study, and living His teachings so that I might always feel spiritually satisfied and empowered. 

General Conference Quote: 

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, "Faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some offering until we see His arm revealed on our behalf." This powerful statement helped me understand that faith is not about having all things immediately resolved, but about trusting God's timing and love throughout life's challenges. His words have given me comfort when I faced uncertainty or hardship. This has helped me to stay committed and hopeful even when answers weren't clear. 

 Personal Experience: Finding Strength through Small Acts of Faith

During a time when a close family member was seriously ill, I felt emotionally and physically exhausted. I was unsure how I could manage all the responsibilities. Each morning, I prayed for strength and tried to take small steps in serving my family and caring for myself. Although my efforts felt limited, I noticed moments of peace and unexpected help that carried me forward. I realized the Savior was multiplying my small acts of faith and service, just like He multiplied the loaves and fishes. This experience strengthened my testimony that the Lord sustains us and magnifies our sincere efforts to follow Him. 

My Testimony: Jesus Christ, Our Source of Strength and Peace

I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ is living. He is the Bread of Life who satisfies our deepest needs. When we place our faith in Him, even when it is small or imperfect, He can do amazing things through us. His grace reaches into all our challenges and lifts us when we fall. I bear witness that as we follow Him daily, taking up our cross, serving others, and trusting in His timing, our lives are blessed in ways beyond understanding. He is my source of peace, hope, and strength in every circumstance.