It is when we are put to the test that we discover our faith and courage, and often that comes all of a sudden. For example:

It was near the San Pedro River in Southern Arizona that on December 11th, 1946 that a significant event occurred in the history of the Mormon Battalion.

The men were camped there along the river, and for a change, they had adequate water and food. The hills around the area were teaming with abandoned wild cattle. So, some of the men went out to hunt.

Then all of a sudden, the cattle began to stampede. Wild bulls came charging down out of the hills, and ran through the camp goring, shoving, and chasing, just making a mess! They charged into the wagons and overturned one of them. They gored a couple of mules to death. One of the bulls charged a man, hooked a horn into the man’s thigh, and flipped him over his head over the length of the bull’s body. Another man was severely bruised when a bull charged him, and the horns passed on both sides of his body. Another man was being chased by one of the bulls when he suddenly just dropped to the ground and the bull leaped over the top.

Now the commander of the battalion, Colonel Phillip St. George Cook, was mounted on a white mule nearby watching the fray. And all of a sudden a black bull turned and charged at Colonel Cook. Now standing near the Colonel was Corporal Lafayette Frost. The bull got closer and closer. Corporal Frost just stood there. And then when the bull was scarcely 6 paces away, Corporal Frost raised his musket, and with deliberation aimed and fired. The bull fell at his feet.

Well, to say the least, Colonel Cook was relieved and impressed by the man’s bravery. He commended the man for such, and then said he wanted to see no more such acts of bravery.

Well, that - that story has long impressed me. Why? Courage is not only a most admirable trait, but in my opinion, it is absolutely essential for disciples in the service of the Lord.