Carrying Our Burdens: Learning from the Lessons of Suffering

Brothers and sisters, if you’re anything like me, you know that the journey of discipleship isn't always marked by bright lights and easy answers. Sometimes, the path feels shrouded in fog, and the lessons we need are wrapped up in the very things that hurt—the struggles, the disappointments, the sheer weight of the world.

It’s a truth we wrestle with, isn't it? We read the scriptures, we hear the talks, and we feel the promptings of the Spirit, but sometimes we just feel… tired. We wonder, "Why? Why this? What is the divine purpose in this ache?"

This past week, we were pondering the profound topic of suffering. And while the Spirit guides us to the answers, sometimes we need a gentle reminder, a place to gather where we can unpack these heavy questions together. It's a topic that touches every single heart, whether you’re preparing for your mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply trying to be a better disciple in your own home.

The beautiful thing about being a disciple, especially in this day and age, is that we never have to walk this path alone. Whether you’re in the MTC, deep in the field, or right here in your living room, the Church has built ways for us to support one another. These discussions—these moments where we can ask the hard questions—are where the real gospel work happens.

The Power of Community in the Struggle

I was reminded of this when I was first learning to navigate the emotional landscape of missionary discussions. You think you understand the doctrine, you think you know the answers, but then an investigator asks a question that cuts right to the core of your personal struggle, and suddenly, you realize how much more there is to learn! It’s in those moments of vulnerability that we truly learn to be Christlike.

The principle here, friends, is that we are meant to minister *to* each other as much as we minister *to* the world. If you're struggling to feel the Spirit, or if you're wrestling with a difficult belief, please know that reaching out—whether through a friend, a local bishopric, or even connecting with a study group—is not weakness. It is the highest form of discipleship.

If you are looking for a place to dig deeper into scripture and wrestle with these big questions, I highly recommend checking out the Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups available in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to put the principles we learn in our talks into practical, shared study.

A Little Prep Skill for Our Internet Missionaries

As we all serve as internet missionaries, remember this: When you feel overwhelmed by the weight of the world's problems, anchor yourself to the covenants you have made. Don't try to solve everything. Just focus on sharing the gospel with the clarity and love you received when you first felt the Spirit guide you. Keep your focus on Christ, and let Him do the heavy lifting.

If you want to practice answering those tough questions before you even get to the field, I always point people toward Davee. He's fantastic at running through investigator hypotheticals—it’s like having an AI Investigator right there with you!

We are building a global network of disciples, and every single one of us has a role in carrying the message. Let’s keep showing up, keep learning, and keep lifting each other up!

If you missed the discussion or want to revisit the insights, please watch the recording linked above. And if you feel moved to pray for someone struggling with the weight of life, remember to send those prayers through the proper channels—the Spirit moves through faithful communication!

Keep the faith, my brothers and sisters. We are doing good work together.