Keeping Our Eyes on the Prize: Discipleship in the Times of Turmoil

If you’ve been following the news lately, you know what I mean. The world feels loud, chaotic, and sometimes downright exhausting. From geopolitical conflicts to local emergencies, it’s hard to tune out the noise and keep our hearts steady. It’s easy to feel anxious, like everything is spiraling out of control.

Sometimes, the weight of global events can make us feel like we need to predict the next big sign—the ultimate sign—of the end times. We read the passages, we watch the videos, and we get caught up in the timelines, the prophecies, and the "what ifs."

But as a returned missionary, and as someone who has learned what it means to truly focus on the gospel, I want to share a lesson that has anchored me through every storm: Our job isn't to be professional prophets; our job is to be faithful disciples. Our focus must always be on the Second Coming, and more importantly, on the work we are doing *right now*.

The scriptures, particularly in passages like Luke 21, are powerful warnings, but they are ultimately invitations to faith and vigilance.

The Eternal Focus: Why Prophecy Isn't the Goal

When we study passages detailing the "signs of the times"—the wars, the revivals, the turmoil—it’s easy to get lost in the details of *when* and *how*. But the core message, repeated throughout the scriptures, is not a timetable; it is a call to preparedness. It reminds us that while the world will experience great unrest, our eternal security comes from keeping the commandments and building our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

The truth is, the most powerful preparation for the Second Coming isn't knowing a date; it's knowing how to live a Christlike life today. It's about being so steeped in the gospel that the worldly noise fades into the background.

A Quick Mission Prep Skill: Turning Fear into Testimony

One of the hardest questions I faced in the field was, “If the world is ending, why should I care about the gospel?” Instead of getting flustered or giving a vague answer, I learned to pivot the conversation back to the power of the gospel. My simple script became: “Those are serious questions, and they show you care about the truth. But I don't think the gospel is just for the end times—it’s for *right now*. It’s the power that helps us navigate the turmoil we see, and it helps us find peace today.”

Remember, when you feel overwhelmed by the news cycle, your mission prep skill is to pivot: From "What is happening?" to "How does this help me be more Christlike today?"

Staying Rooted in the Spirit

We are all called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, and all the time. This means that no matter where you are—whether you're in the library, at work, or on a family trip—you can be actively preparing. You can be studying, you can be sharing a scripture, or you can simply praying for your ward. The Spirit is our greatest guide. If we keep our hearts humble, we will feel the Spirit guiding our efforts, no matter how chaotic the world seems.

If you are struggling with how to apply the gospel to the big questions, I highly recommend diving into the **Iron Rod** authors' discussions on spiritual resilience. There are some fantastic reads available in LivingBook that tackle how we can stay anchored in our beliefs when the headlines scream otherwise.

Join the Conversation: Strengthening Our Foundations

The best way to prepare is together. If you haven't taken advantage of our weekly **Disciple Challenge**, please do! It's a low-stakes, high-reward way to practice sharing your testimony and strengthening your understanding of the gospel with other committed disciples. It’s a chance to build those spiritual muscles before you get out into the field, whether that field is across the world or down the street.

And for those who want to dive deep into the scriptures with others, check out the **Book Club** or **Bible Study Groups** in HolyPlaces. It's a safe space to discuss heavy topics—like the signs of the times—and make sure we are all interpreting them through the lens of the gospel.

We are not meant to panic; we are meant to prepare. Keep your eyes on the Savior, keep your heart focused on the work, and let the Spirit guide you every single day.