On the Land or the Sea

Don Robertson of Utah remembers how his testimony of family and personal prayer strengthened him while he was training to be an electronic technician in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He says, "I was excited for this opportunity, but I soon discovered that grading in the class was based on the class average. Many of my classmates had attended or even graduated from college and were much better prepared than I was with only a high school education. I loved the course, but my test scores were below average. I was worried and wondered what I should do.

"I began studying every spare minute, from early in the morning until lights-out at night until it became an obsession. After a week or so, I noticed that I was losing my self-confidence, sense of humor, and ability to relax. I asked myself, 'Where can I go for help, and who would even understand my situation? What can I do?'

"The crisis reached a climax when the commander of the school called me into his office and told me that because of my grades I would need to leave school and go into the regular navy. Then he paused for a moment and asked if I would like another chance. I said, 'Oh, I would like another chance!'"

This time, Don knew where he could turn for help. He says, "Family prayer was common in our home. As a result, we children grew up with the habit of personal prayer. It was natural, in this overwhelming predicament, for me to turn to Heavenly Father. At night, I would pull the covers over my head and plead with all of my heart for help.

"I continued to study the best I could. One day, while I was walking alone through the hall, I felt a strong impression to just continue studying and praying. I recognized immediately that it was an answer to my prayers and felt a great load removed from me. I exclaimed to myself enthusiastically, 'Well, I can do that!'"

Don forged ahead with greater confidence and faith. He says, "My worry had been replaced with the faith and hope that I could succeed. I was able to graduate and go on to serve in the navy with a sure faith in the Lord that has never left me. How thankful I am for good parents who taught me through family prayer that Heavenly Father will always be there."