Looking for the Rainbow: Finding Hope When the Waters Rise

Brothers and sisters, friends, fellow disciples—it’s easy to get caught up in the headlines. One week it’s a devastating flood in one corner of the globe, the next it’s a hurricane tearing through another. We see the raw, overwhelming power of nature, and it can make the world feel fragile, precarious, and sometimes, frankly, terrifying.

When I was first starting out, I remember watching news reports of massive flooding—the kind that seemed to wash away everything in their path. It made me think of that story from Genesis, the great deluge. It’s a powerful reminder, isn't it? That the world has seen unimaginable power, both in the natural world and, in times past, in the Lord’s mighty hand.

It’s natural to look at the devastation and feel a sense of loss—loss of property, loss of security, loss of routine. When we see the wreckage, we naturally look for immediate fixes, for the next government aid package, or the next scientific breakthrough. And while those things are helpful, Mike Mazzalongo pointed out something vital: they cannot provide the three things that only God can give.

The Three Things Only God Can Give

This is where our focus needs to shift, especially as we continue to learn how to be Internet missionaries and disciples wherever we are planted. When the waters rise—whether literal floods or spiritual trials—we need to anchor ourselves to the divine promises. What are they?

1. Spiritual Security: No earthly wealth can reassure us that our spiritual treasures are safe with Him in heaven. Luke 12:33 rings so true. Our true inheritance isn't in the things that can be washed away; it's in the covenants we keep and the Spirit we feel.
2. Strength with Joy: We need the kind of strength that doesn't just *get* us through the ordeal, but sees us through *with joy*. James 1:2-4 speaks to that process—testing builds endurance.
3. Divine Timing: And finally, we must remember that God controls the timing of all things, including the end. Not man. Genesis 7:11 and 2 Peter 3:5-10 remind us that while suffering is real, God has a plan that transcends our immediate pain.

The ultimate promise, the beacon in the darkest moment, is the rainbow. It’s God’s signature promise that even after the worst storm, hope remains. It signals that He has put a limit on suffering, and that hope is available to those who trust Him.

As we continue in our discipleship—whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or simply in our living rooms—we must make it a habit of looking for that rainbow. It means turning the immediate crisis into a moment for testimony building. It means shifting our focus from the *what* (the disaster) to the *Who* (our Savior).

If you’re feeling the weight of the world’s worries right now, I encourage you to take time this week to reflect on this. If you want to dig deeper into how to apply these principles to your own missionary discussions or personal testimony building, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod. There are some incredible insights on trusting God's timing.

For those of you who are craving more structured learning, remember that HolyPlaces is a wonderful resource for deepening scripture study. If you're ready to tackle some tough questions about these principles, I invite you to utilize Davee in your next study session; he’s excellent at walking through the hard questions an investigator might ask!

Let’s keep gathering Israel, keeping our eyes fixed on the promise, and always looking for that rainbow. Blessings to you all.