Being Determined by God: Finding Fruitfulness in the Storm

Brothers and sisters, as we look toward the coming year, the question that echoes in our hearts is: What kind of year will it be? Will we be defined by the challenges around us—the difficulties, the disappointments, the 'ups and downs' of the world?

It’s a question that weighs heavily on the soul, isn't it? We naturally look to our circumstances to define us. If the world is chaotic, we fear we must be chaotic. If our mission efforts hit a snag, we fear we are failing. But the Spirit whispers a truth that needs to settle deep in our bones: our fruitfulness is not dependent on the weather outside our windows.

The Lord promises that we *can* guarantee a year of fruitfulness. But how? It requires a profound shift in perspective—a separation between what *happens* to us and who we *are* in Christ.

When we study the scriptures, especially passages like Psalm 37, the counsel is clear, yet it requires immense spiritual muscle to apply. The core message isn't about avoiding trouble; it’s about recognizing the critical difference between having troubles and *being troubled* by them. There’s a separation, friends, and mastering that separation is key to a victorious year.

We are taught that we are *in* the world, but we are not *of* the world. This distinction is everything. Too often, we mistake our immediate problem for our identity. We let our anxieties dictate our peace, and our circumstances dictate our joy. But that is a dangerous association!

To cultivate that inner life—that spiritual core that remains unshaken—we must intentionally draw near to the source of all strength: the presence of God. That presence is the only thing truly separate from the circumstance. It is the anchor when the tides of the world rise and fall.

This principle applies everywhere we are called to serve. Whether you are preparing for your own mission, working through challenging missionary discussions, or simply engaging in a Book Club right here at home, remember this: Your peace, your joy, your ability to bear testimony—that must be determined by the Savior, not by the resistance you meet on the field.

This year, let’s make a covenant with ourselves to practice this separateness. Let’s focus on drawing strength from the Spirit, rather than reacting to the noise. Let's remember that our greatest work is building up that inner temple of discipleship.

If this talk resonated with you, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on this. If you’re looking for ways to deepen this study, check out the LivingBook. Sometimes, diving into the social scripture study layer or joining a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces can help anchor these principles in your daily life.

For those of us who are newly returned, or who are currently in the thick of mission prep, remember that the principles we learn in the MTC are meant to last a lifetime. Keep leaning on your leaders, your companions, and the deep truths found in the Iron Rod authors.

If you want to dig into the mechanics of applying these spiritual keys, I highly recommend running through a scenario with Davee. He’s fantastic at walking through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping us sharpen our answers so we can better testify of the Gospel.

For more reflections like this, I invite you to check out Jonathan Cahn’s message here: The Keys To a Fruitful Year.

Keep striving to be Christlike, keep drawing near, and let the Spirit guide your hand in all things!