Expecting Miracles: Your Mission & Beyond

Hey Rogue Disciples!

It’s been a while since I got back, and I still feel the echoes of the Spirit from the field. It’s wild, isn't it, how profoundly the mission shapes you? But something I’ve been wrestling with lately – and something that hit me hard from a recent conversation – is how easily we box up God’s power, thinking it only manifests in those big, undeniable moments.

I was listening to the “This is Kingdom” podcast recently, and they were unpacking Elder Bowen’s talk, “Miracles, Angels, and Priesthood Power.” It really resonated, especially when they talked about that BYU Finance 201 professor who challenged his students to examine their spiritual bank accounts. That’s a powerful reminder, isn’t it? It’s easy to rely solely on the experiences we had on our missions, to treat them like a finite resource. We can end up looking at the miracles in the scriptures – and even the miracles we witnessed during our missions – and thinking, “Those are amazing, but that’s not my reality.”

But what if we’re wrong? What if a miracle isn't just a dramatic rescue or a sudden revelation, but *everything* that draws you closer to Christ? That’s the mindset Albert Einstein famously described as seeing a world “where everything is a miracle.”

Think about it. That unexpected prompting that led to a meaningful discussion. The feeling of overwhelming love you felt while serving someone in need. The quiet peace that settled over you during a particularly challenging missionary discussion. Those aren’t just “good feelings.” They're evidence of God’s hand in your life, tangible manifestations of His power.

I remember one time, during my mission, I was feeling completely discouraged. I had been struggling to connect with an investigator, and I was doubting my ability to do the work. I knelt in prayer, feeling utterly defeated. And then, a warmth filled my heart, a sense of peace that transcended my understanding. It wasn't a booming voice or a dazzling light. It was a quiet reassurance that I was on the right path. That, my friends, was a miracle. It didn't solve my immediate problem, but it gave me the strength to persevere.

And that's the key, isn't it? It’s not about demanding miracles; it’s about expecting them. It’s about cultivating a mindset of gratitude and recognizing the divine in the everyday. It's about actively asking God for big things, believing that He *wants* to bless us.

So, how do we apply this beyond our mission experiences? How do we cultivate this “miracle mindset” in our daily lives?

• Start Small: Acknowledge the little things. The sunshine on your face, a kind word from a friend, a moment of clarity.
• Express Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal. Really *feel* the appreciation for the blessings in your life.
• Ask & Believe: Don't be afraid to ask God for what you need, both big and small. And believe that He hears you.
• Share Your Experiences: Talking about these moments, even the small ones, strengthens our faith and inspires others.

This isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about growing closer to Christ. It’s about recognizing His presence in our lives and becoming more like Him. As we do, we become modern-day miracle makers, not just experiencing miracles, but *creating* them through our actions and our faith.

I challenge you this week: actively look for the miracles around you. Don’t wait for the grand gesture; appreciate the everyday blessings. You might be surprised at what you discover.

What are some ways you've experienced miracles in your life, big or small? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

And if you're looking for more ways to deepen your discipleship, join us for the weekly Disciple Challenge – a great opportunity to connect with other Latter-day Saints and grow together. You can also find some great resources and connect with others in HolyPlaces, including some fantastic Book Clubs focused on scripture study.

Keep striving, keep believing, and keep expecting miracles!