Finding the Lesson in the Tremor: How Opposition Comes in Unexpected Forms

There are moments in the work—whether you’re standing in a living room in a foreign country, or even sitting at your kitchen table conducting a missionary discussion—when things feel unsettled. When the ground shakes, literally or figuratively, it’s easy to feel nervous, to feel exposed, or even overwhelmed. It’s natural to worry about what's next.

I remember being in the field, and the very environment itself was a constant reminder of opposition. We were in Chile, a place famous for its seismic activity. Just before we arrived, there was talk of a big earthquake, and even the non-members we were teaching with were a little nervous. It was a palpable anxiety in the air.

We were out one afternoon, teaching a lesson—and suddenly, the house started to shake. Just a little bit. We all paused, and the immediate reaction was a mix of surprise and nervousness. My companion and I exchanged a glance, thinking, 'Well, this is a little weird.' But here’s what happened next, and it’s the lesson I want to share with you today.

Instead of letting the shaking derail the lesson, we paused. We took a moment to breathe, and we talked about it. We used the unexpected jolt—the literal tremor—as a physical example of the adversary. We taught that opposition doesn't always come from a person or a direct attack; sometimes, it comes from the environment itself, or from internal anxieties that make us feel unsettled. It’s a constant reminder that we must remain anchored in the gospel.

The Spirit doesn't always speak in gentle whispers; sometimes, it speaks in a shake, a disruption, or a sudden question that throws us off balance. Our job, as disciples and as internet missionaries, is to remember that the lesson is always there, even when the house is shaking.

The Doctrine of the Unexpected

This principle applies whether you are studying with friends in a Book Club, or whether you are trying to navigate a difficult conversation with an investigator. When the opposition feels overwhelming—when the questions are hard, or the environment is stressful—don't panic. Pause. Take a breath. Remember that you are not alone, and that the Spirit is your anchor.

This is where the power of preparation comes in. It’s not about knowing every answer; it’s about knowing the truth and being prepared to point people back to the scriptures and to the Savior. It’s about developing that steady, Christlike demeanor, even when your nerves are tingling.

This experience in Chile taught me that the best teaching moments often happen when we are least prepared for them. The shaking was a gift, a natural, physical metaphor for the spiritual opposition we face daily.

If you're feeling like you need to sharpen your skills in handling challenging questions, I highly recommend utilizing Davee. He’s excellent at the AI Investigator role, walking you through the hard questions you might face and helping you formulate answers rooted in gospel principles. It’s perfect mission prep, no matter where you are located.

“The purpose of life is to find and utilize the gifts of the Spirit, even when the circumstances around us are shaking.”

As returned missionaries, we know that the work never stops. We can be Internet missionaries from our living rooms, our workplaces, and our hearts. Let's commit to looking for the lesson in the next tremor—the next awkward silence, the next difficult scripture, the next uncomfortable conversation. Because that lesson, always, points back to the Savior.

Keep the Mission Going

If you are looking for more ways to deepen your study and feel more anchored in the gospel, check out the resources available in LivingBook. I found a fantastic deep dive on the concept of opposition in the scriptures that really helped frame this lesson.

And if you want to keep the momentum going, we're hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge this week! It’s a great way to practice turning everyday life into a sacred opportunity for discipleship. Sign up below!

Join the Disciple Challenge

P.S. If you're interested in diving deeper into how the Spirit guides us through opposition, I recommend the book The Gospel of Disciplehood by Iron Rod. It's available in LivingBook and is a wonderful read for every disciple.