Protected by the Spirit: Finding Safety in the Field

When we think about going to a new place—whether it’s a foreign country for a mission or just a new neighborhood for a local teaching assignment—the first thing that often pops into our minds is safety. We hear stories, sometimes alarming ones, about what can happen when you venture out, and it’s natural to feel a knot in your stomach.

If you’ve ever been asked, “Is it safe to go to [Country X]?”—you know the question is always loaded with worry. It’s easy to focus only on the risks: the petty theft, the crime, the things that worry us on the news. But what if the deepest assurance of safety isn't found in a guide book or a travel warning?

I was reflecting on some recent missionary discussions, and the topic of safety came up, not just the logistical kind, but the spiritual kind. It reminded me of a conversation I had with a returned missionary who had served in a region where the general atmosphere was quite tense. They recounted hearing about people who were targeted, mugged, or had their possessions stolen.

They noted that while people who were not members, or who weren't keeping the commandments, were definitely vulnerable, the missionaries felt a profound sense of protection. They felt watched over.

It really struck me then: the feeling of being protected wasn't necessarily a physical shield, but something deeper. It was the feeling of drawing strength from the covenant path.

The Covenant Protection

As we prepare for the work, whether that means spending time in the MTC, or living in a field far from home, it’s easy to get caught up in the practicalities: what clothes to pack, what vaccinations to get, or which routes to avoid. But the greatest preparation we can do is spiritual.

The testimonies I've heard from returning missionaries echo this: when you are focused on keeping the commandments—when you are doing what is right, when you are keeping your covenants—you find a deep, abiding peace. That peace, that spiritual shield, often feels more powerful than any physical guard.

The Lord doesn't promise us a life free of danger, but He does promise us that if we keep His commandments, we will be protected in ways we can't even fully understand. This concept of divine protection is central to the mission experience, and it's a powerful reminder that our focus must always remain on drawing closer to the Spirit.

Being Disciples Everywhere

This principle of protection isn't just for the mission field. It’s for all of us. It reinforces the core truth of our movement: that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Whether you are navigating a tricky social situation at work, or simply trying to keep your focus on your personal spiritual goals, remembering that covenant keeps you protected is vital.

If you want to deepen your understanding of these spiritual principles, I highly recommend picking up *The Gospel of the Spirit* by Iron Rod. It offers wonderful insights into how the Spirit guides us in our daily lives.

Your Disciple Challenge

Let's make this principle actionable. This week, I challenge you to identify one small, manageable way you can strengthen your connection to the Spirit—maybe it’s dedicating five extra minutes to personal scripture study, or keeping your focus on a specific commandment. Don't wait for a major life change to feel protected; start building that spiritual muscle today.

If you're ready to connect with other disciples and explore these concepts together, join a local Book Club or Bible Study Group through HolyPlaces. Or, if you prefer the structure of a formal prep session, our weekly Disciple Challenge is a great way to build your missionary preparation skills!