Exploring a Lava Tube, a Lesson on Faith

by Robert Rosskopf

I visited a state park in northern California that contains an extinct volcano. Horizontal lava tubes can be found in several places. The lava tubes create deep dark caves. As I peered into one of the caves, I was apprehensive, because I couldn't see more than a foot or two in front of me. The thought occured to me that there might be bears, cougars, or other wild animals inside. My fear was palpable, but I bravely took a few steps inside. I quickly realized that I still couldn't see in; after two feet it was pitch black. The only thing that I could see clearly was the direction I had come - the opening of the cave. I took a few more steps in, and then a few more until I was 20 feet or so inside the cave. As I looked deeper into the cave, I could not see anything past two feet, while looking from whence I came, I could see everything. I saw another member of our party peering fearfully into the cave, and invited her to come in. I could see there was no danger, even if she couldn't.
Sadly, she wasn't able to overcome her fear, and remained on the outside. She missed a unique experience because she couldn't get past her fear. Fear can easily overcome faith, even when it is irrational.
We must learn to take the steps that God would have us take, even though we cannot see the future. Commandments are blessings from God. They give us a spiritual roadmap that leads us in his direction. We may be afraid, because we cannot see the future, but he knows the future, and loves us, and will not lead us astray. As we look back, we can see the blessings that we have received by keeping the commandments of God. We must use this hindsight to help us find the faith to obey more of his commandments and find out where our faith in him will take us.