Beyond the Map: Finding Covenant Identity in the Wilderness of Becoming

Sometimes, the calling of the Lord doesn't feel like a clear, straight path marked on a map. It feels more like wandering through a desert—a place of profound uncertainty, where the old versions of ourselves feel inadequate. If you’ve ever felt like you had to leave behind a piece of who you thought you were to step into the covenant path, you understand this ache.

I was listening to Dr. Jenae Nelson revisit Abraham’s journey recently, and it hit me right in the heart of what it means to be a disciple today. It’s not just about *doing* the right things; it’s about *becoming* the right things. It’s about covenant identity.

The Calling to Be

Dr. Nelson framed Abraham’s story beautifully, not just as a historical narrative, but as a developmental process. He wasn't just told to go somewhere; he was called to *become* someone—a finisher in the Abrahamic Covenant. And that realization—that our discipleship is a process of becoming—is something every single one of us, whether we're in the MTC, in the field, or right here in our living rooms, needs to hear.

It speaks directly to the work we do as internet missionaries. We aren't just sharing facts or scriptures; we are modeling a life of covenant progression. We are inviting our investigators to see that the gospel isn't a destination you arrive at; it's a life you build, brick by painstaking brick, through faith and surrender.

Shedding the Old Self

One of the most powerful takeaways was the idea of leaving behind the "survival version" of ourselves. We all have those old tools, those coping mechanisms, those comfortable habits—the things that kept us safe when we were younger, or when life was chaotic. But the Lord asks us to trade those for something better, something that aligns with our eternal identity.

This isn't about self-flagellation; it’s about recognizing that the covenants we make—the promises we keep—require a corresponding transformation of the heart. It’s the difference between surviving the week and *thriving* in the covenant.

I was struck by how much of this mirrors the deep work we do in missionary discussions. Sometimes, an investigator isn't struggling with doctrine; they're struggling with the self they built around their doubts, their fears, or their past hurts. Our role, as disciples, is to gently point them toward the covenant path, the one that requires them to shed those old skins.

A Reminder for the Field

If you are currently preparing for your mission, remember that mission prep is exactly this: learning to leave the comfort zone of your current understanding. Don't just memorize answers; internalize the *spirit* of the gospel. Be ready to be vulnerable, because vulnerability is where the Spirit can do the most incredible work.

If you are a returned missionary, remember that the field doesn't end when you get your call home. The work continues right here. Being a disciple anywhere, all the time, means being willing to re-examine your own assumptions, just like Abraham had to re-examine his entire concept of belonging.

This journey toward covenant identity is messy, it involves unanswered questions, and it requires faith in the unseen. It is the beautiful, challenging work of becoming more like Christ.

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🙏 A Little Skill for Today: As you think about your own 'old tools'—the habits or beliefs that are holding you back from greater faith—try journaling a simple covenant promise: "I will leave behind [old tool] and strive to build [new covenant action] this week."

If you want to dig deeper into the covenants and the process of becoming, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. It’s a wonderful resource for deep scripture study!

Want to discuss this further? Join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge this Thursday—it’s a great place to wrestle with these big concepts together!