Oliver Cowdery sat on the other side of the table from Joseph Smith, and recorded the words that Joseph spoke as he read the golden plates.  The words flowed easily from Joseph’s lips.  Joseph, at least initially, was using the Urim and Thummim.  It appeared to Oliver that reading the ancient hieroglyphics was an easy thing.  He desired to be permitted to do what Joseph was doing.  The Lord was willing.

When Oliver began the job of being scribe for Joseph, Joseph would have used the same system that he had previously used when Martin Harris and Emma had served as his scribes.  Martin and Emma had not been permitted to see the golden plates.  A screen had been placed between the translator and the scribe so that they could not see one another.  Perhaps they had not seen the Urim and Thummim, either.  At some point Oliver was permitted to see the plates.  Presumably, he also donned the breastplate containing the Urim and Thummim.  He had thought that all that would be necessary would be to look, and the words would appear before him.  He was disappointed to learn that faith beyond that which he possessed would be necessary before he could translate.

Insufficient faith coupled with fear were the cause of Oliver’s failure.  As Oliver sat down to translate, there was a nagging worry in his mind.  “I may not be able to do this,” he thought, and he was right.  The Lord later explained to him that his failure was because “you feared.”  (D&C 9:11).

We shouldn’t fault Oliver.  It is likely that Joseph was the only man on earth whose faith was great enough to effect the translation.  Oliver’s was apparently close or the Lord would not have permitted him to see the plates, and to try.

Oliver’s problem was the same problem that Peter had.  Peter asked the Lord for permission to come to him by walking on the water.  Permission was granted.  Peter stepped out of the boat and actually took steps.  “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matt. 14:30).

We shouldn’t fault Peter for his lack of faith.  After all, he is the only man other than the Savior who is known to have actually walked on water.

If Peter’s faith had been a little greater—if he had not permitted himself to doubt—he would have successfully walked on water for more than a few steps.  He stayed on top as long as he was focused on the Savior.  When he took his eyes off Jesus, and saw the winds and the waves, it was then that he began to sink.

If Oliver had not permitted himself to doubt, he could have successfully translated.

What might we accomplish if we don’t doubt?  How pleased is the Lord when the bishop issues a call and we refuse the opportunity by saying, “I can’t do that.  I’m not capable.  I’m not smart enough.  I’m too shy.”  How will our faith ever become great enough to do these things if we’re not willing to try?  How can the Lord bless us when we refuse the opportunities placed before us?

The Lord tells us, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:  for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”  (Joshua 1:9).

“Be of good cheer,” He says, “be not afraid.”  (Matt. 14:27).

Bit by bit, and line upon line, He is teaching us and training us.  As we positively respond, our faith grows.  When we’re offered opportunities to serve or to translate or to walk on water, if we’ll just jump in and try, the Lord will support us and make us capable.

With the Lord, all things are possible.  With the Lord, we can do all things.