From Skepticism to the Spirit: Following the Light of the Gospel

Sometimes, the path to understanding the gospel isn't a straight line; it’s more like a winding river, full of tributaries, moments of doubt, and unexpected currents. I remember feeling that way myself—like I was wading through a fog, convinced I knew enough, only to have a whisper of the Spirit guide me toward deeper waters.

It takes courage to admit when you’re confused, or when the teachings you thought were solid start to feel… incomplete. That’s the hallmark of a true disciple, isn't it? We aren't supposed to have all the answers right out of the gate. The journey is the preparation!

The Courage to Ask the Hard Questions

Hearing Cheyenne recount her journey was a powerful reminder of this. She started out in a comfortable place, building relationships and getting involved in her local church. She was the "Jesus Girl," and that's wonderful! But even when things are good, the Spirit can nudge you toward the edges of what you think you know. When she started asking her pastor what the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believed, she was doing exactly what we need to practice: asking questions!

It’s easy to get comfortable in familiar doctrines, but the true work requires us to be willing to question the *status quo*—not out of rebellion, but out of a sincere desire to know the truth. When she confronted the bishop about the priesthood, and was taught about the Restoration, that was a pivotal moment. That’s when the Spirit starts to whisper, "Wait, there might be more."

When the Spirit Speaks Loudly

The Spirit, brothers and sisters, is the most reliable guide we have. Cheyenne felt it distinctly at Girl’s Camp, and later, she felt it again regarding the Plan of Salvation. Sometimes, the Spirit’s guidance is subtle—a feeling of peace in a place you’ve never been—and sometimes, like with her, it’s a clear, undeniable conviction that something profound is at hand. When the Spirit guides you toward the truth, don't let fear, or the comfort of the familiar, make you turn away.

What I took away from watching this was the sheer persistence required. She was met with skepticism, even from people she knew, and she was told to distance herself. But she kept going back to the source of light. She kept showing up. That’s the heart of being an internet missionary—showing up consistently, even when the digital noise or the real-world criticism is loud.

Be a Disciple Everywhere

Cheyenne’s story is a beautiful testament to the core principle of our movement: every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Whether you are in a high school hallway, a local Sunday School class, or navigating a difficult conversation with a family member, you have the power to bear testimony and invite inquiry.

If you are feeling that pull—that gentle tug toward something more—don't wait for a perfect moment or a perfect setting. Start small. Read the scriptures with an eye for revelation. Talk to a friend about what you are learning. Don't let the fear of being misunderstood silence the whispers of the Spirit.

For those of you who are feeling the call to deeper study, I highly recommend diving into the Social Scripture Study layer within LivingBook. It’s a wonderful place to see how others are wrestling with the same eternal questions we are. If you are feeling the pull to learn more about the Restoration, check out some of the excellent talks on the Plan of Salvation—they are always worth revisiting.

If you want to keep building those skills—whether it's mastering a doctrinal point or learning how to answer a tough question—I encourage you to join our next session. We are hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge this week, and we’ll be diving deep into the Book of Mormon narratives. Come ready to share what the Spirit has taught you this week!

Remember, the gospel is for all who will hear it. Keep shining that light!