When the pioneers first arrived in Manti, November 1849, they arrived in 3 feet of snow and no protection. The Saints dug into a hillside, living out of caves and caverns that protected them from the ravaging winter winds and cold.
However, when spring came, the Saints quickly discovered they had tunneled into a massive rattlesnake nest, with hundreds of snakes suddenly swarming their homes, camps, and living quarters.
Miraculously, though, no one was injured or bitten by the snakes.
The hill that once saved the Saints physically soon became the site for the Manti temple.
Now a place to obtain spiritual salvation.
When I heard of this.
I immediately broke out in a cold sweat.
My fear of snakes is so strong, I can’t even write or talk about it without getting flustered.
Can you relate?
A day before I was supposed to attend a session at the Manti temple.
I almost wasn’t going to go.
I let my paralyzing fear and phobia almost stopped me from experiencing one of the most meaningful sessions.
In prayer, I immediately had a vision of Daniel and the lions’ den.
When the lions’ den event occurred, Daniel was in his 80s…
So they tried to use Daniel’s faith in God against him.
They tricked King Darius into passing a 30-day decree that said anyone who prayed to another god or man other than the king would be thrown into the lions’ den.
Reminded how Daniel was protected, I immediately felt the protection of the Saints.
I knew at that exact moment I needed to attend the Manti temple.
With nothing but calmness.
Walking around the grounds, observing the marvelous wonders of the Pioneer’s efforts and the protection that God has on all of his Saints.
When have you felt God’s hand in protecting you?
Love,
Dennis
Find out more by following Dennis on Instagram @DenSchleicher
