"If you treat an individual as he is, he will stay as he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he could be and ought to be, he will become what he ought to be." - Goethe

In 1 Nephi 16: 18-32 we read that Nephi's bow broke, and that was the cause of much complaining by several family members, including their father Lehi.  This may have been the first time Lehi complained, but certainly his faith was wavering at this moment of hunger and pain.

Nephi was a righteous son, who had been prepared to lead the family. He had seen angels, had talked with the spirit of the Lord, and had marvelous experiences. This could have been his time to take over and begin to lead the family of his own accord.  But, remember, he was righteous, he had a better plan.

Nephi made a bow and arrow and got a sling and stones. (Even this alone shows Nephi's faith, and how he was a leader and a doer instead of a slacker and a complainer.) Then he went to his father to ask where to go for food.  Certainly Nephi was smart enough to have knelt and prayed for direction, but he had strength enough, and humility enough, and manliness enough to go to his wavering superior and say, "You ask God," because somehow he knows this is how you make men strong, that wise confidence in men builds them.

Lehi did ask God and God told him, and Lehi's leadership was restored.

(Book of Mormon Student Manual  Religion 121and 122 p16)