Leaving the Ashes: How the Spirit Makes Us New Tools for the Work

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt like you’ve poured everything you have into something—a goal, a relationship, a calling—only to watch it crumble? It feels like a profound loss, doesn't it? We naturally grieve those things we invested in. It’s natural to mourn what we’ve lost, especially when we see the wreckage of our own efforts.

But as we walk in the covenant path, we learn that sometimes the greatest blessings aren't in holding onto what was, but in having the grace to let it go. The Spirit whispers that the past, no matter how deeply invested we were in it, cannot define the magnificent potential God has placed within us.

The Power of New Beginnings

I was listening recently to some powerful counsel that really resonated with the concept of rebirth—of being remade. It spoke of how, no matter what we were before—the failures, the perceived inadequacies, the things we thought defined us—when the Spirit touches us, we are fundamentally changed. We are fashioned into something brand new, a vessel God can use to turn the world around.

Think about the story of Saul. He was anointed, given a great calling, but he stumbled. He didn't perfectly follow the counsel, and eventually, the mantle was lifted. It’s a powerful reminder that even when we mess up, even when we feel like we’ve squandered a chance, the Lord’s plan is always bigger than our mistakes. He doesn't disqualify us; He redeems us.

This is the core of the discipleship, isn't it? We don't have to wait until we are perfect, educated, or have the right pedigree to serve. We just need to be available. We need to be willing to say, “Here am I, Lord. Use me.”

Be Like the Father: Our Standard of Love

The counsel also brought us back to the purest form of discipleship: how we treat others. We are taught to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us. This isn't just a nice sentiment; it’s a divine principle that requires us to leave our own sense of deservingness behind. It requires us to be as merciful and giving as Heavenly Father is.

If we only give good to those who repay us good, what is the point? It’s just natural human reciprocity. But when we extend grace—when we are kind to the person who wronged us, when we pray for the happiness of those who curse us—that is where the Spirit moves. That is where we begin to act like the children of the Most High.

💡 Mission Prep Skill: The Grace of Forgiveness

As we prepare for the work, or even just in our local ward callings, let’s focus on the *practice* of radical forgiveness. Don't just *say* you forgive; actively pray for the person who hurt you. Ask the Spirit to help you see them through the eyes of Christ. This isn't weakness; it is the ultimate spiritual strength.

We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples everywhere, all the time. And sometimes, the hardest place to share the gospel isn't in a missionary discussion, but in the quiet, messy moments where we feel wronged or let down. That's where the power of the Atonement shines brightest.

If you’re feeling bogged down by past disappointments, remember this: Nothing you lack, no matter how much you wish you had, can stop you from having everything you need—which is a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the source of all power, the ultimate fixer. Let’s keep leaning into the Spirit and letting Him remake us daily.