Looking Up: Remembering the Promise of the Savior

Sometimes, when the weight of the world settles on your shoulders—the weight of expectation, the weight of the current challenges in the field, or just the sheer weight of living in these times—it can feel heavy. We get caught up in the day-to-day grind of the work, the endless cycle of missionary discussions, and the constant effort to be Christlike in every corner of our lives.

It’s easy to forget the grand narrative, the ultimate destination. But the hymns, the songs, and the simple, profound songs like this one keep us tethered to the promise. There will be a day when the tears stop falling. There will be a day the Savior comes to wipe them away.

As returned missionaries, we know that the testimony isn't just something we *have*; it’s something we *remember*. We remember the covenants, we remember the Atonement, and we remember the glorious culmination of the plan of salvation. This isn't just hopeful thinking; it’s foundational truth, the very bedrock upon which our discipleship is built.

Keeping the Focus: From the Field to the Living Room

The message of the Second Coming isn't meant to be a distant, abstract concept. It’s meant to fuel our *today*. It should motivate us to be better students of the gospel *right now*. If we truly believe that the King is coming back—a rain of love that will never end—how does that change how we treat our neighbors? How does it change how we study scripture?

It changes everything. It makes us more patient in our comps, more diligent in our personal study, and more willing to jump into the digital trenches as Internet missionaries. It reminds us that every single member, no matter where they are—whether they are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or just making dinner at home—is positioned to be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Turning Tears into Testimony

This week, I want us to focus on turning moments of sadness or frustration into opportunities for testimony building. When you feel that pang of sorrow or disappointment—maybe a missionary discussion didn't go as planned, or a book club discussion felt flat—don't let it define the moment. Instead, pause. Take a breath, and ask yourself: "What covenant promise does this feeling remind me of?"

If you’re struggling with feeling inadequate, remember the grace that wipes away *all* sin and shame. If you’re feeling discouraged about the progress of the work, remember the power of the Spirit that moved the early Saints. These moments of vulnerability are where the Spirit whispers the deepest truths.

Where Do We Go From Here?

If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to deepen your understanding of the Savior’s power. For those of you who love digging into the scriptures, I highly recommend diving into the Book of Mormon accounts of the coming of the Messiah. It’s a powerful reminder of the pattern of revelation.

If you’re ready to talk through some of the deeper doctrinal questions that come up when we talk about the Second Coming, I invite you to join me and Davee next week for a focused session on the nature of the Resurrection. We’ll be using Davee’s AI Investigator skills to walk through some tough questions you might have!

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quiet space to study, consider joining a Book Club in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to keep the momentum going between formal training sessions.

Remember, we are disciples, and the work is eternal. Let's keep our eyes on the sky, but let’s also keep our hands busy in the service of our brothers and sisters today.