Remember: The Rock, the Foundation, the Growth

Brothers and sisters, have you ever noticed how often repetition is a signal in scripture? Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall wasn't just a dramatic entrance; it was a repetition of a message, a call to remember. Ammon at the Waters of Sebus wasn’t simply quenching his thirst; he was experiencing a repetition of divine provision. The Stone, cut without hands – a repeated promise of a kingdom not of this world. It’s a pattern, a divine emphasis designed to pierce the veil of our everyday distractions.

Connor Checketts, in his fifth-week reflection on the 'Like a Rock' podcast, zeroes in on this very principle – the repeated word, “remember.”

He reminds us that remembering isn’t simply recalling facts; it's drawing strength and direction from the lessons and testimonies shared around us. Listen to the full episode – it's a balm for the soul, especially when the trials of life feel overwhelming.

Facing the Tics, the Bullies, the Hard Things

The conversation within the podcast resonated deeply. Too often, we approach prayer with a transactional mindset, expecting immediate and tangible solutions. A child prays for the tics to vanish, expecting instant relief. A young person prays for bullying to stop, hoping for a magical disappearance of hardship. But what if, instead, God responds with, “I’ll help you through it?”

This isn’t a rejection of faith; it’s a revealing of a deeper truth. Growth doesn't come from a life devoid of challenge. It comes from facing those challenges, with the Lord’s help, and developing resilience, empathy, and a greater capacity for love.

The podcast highlights a profound point: those who inflict pain often themselves carry burdens. It’s an uncomfortable truth, but responding with kindness – even when it’s difficult – becomes a powerful witness. As Ammon taught, “If all men were again to come unto me, I would show unto them that he who is weak and despised, even those whom the world doth scorn, should gather strength and be lifted up” (Mosiah 7:41).

The Builders' Responsibility

The Lord doesn't remove our trials; He equips us to overcome them. And He expects us to actively seek the good, to identify the blessings even amidst the darkness. This is the very essence of the Builder's mindset. We are not Destroyers, content to lament the difficulties of the world. We are Builders, actively seeking solutions, extending compassion, and laying the foundation for a better future. This is the spirit of the Five Smooth Stones – preparation, strategy, faith, and unwavering commitment.

The work of gathering Israel isn't a passive waiting game. It’s an active, deliberate effort. It's fueled by the Charity Flywheel – your engagement, whether it’s sharing resources on the map of churches, contributing to the Missionary Fund, or simply spreading the word, directly funds gospel advertising efforts, like those in Ghana, amplifying the message to those who are earnestly seeking. Outback Jack's journey, mirroring the trials of Alma 17–19, reminds us that the path of gathering is rarely easy, but always worthwhile.

Claim your church on the map. Join the Courage Challenge. Become an Internet Missionary. Let’s remember the lessons of the past, embrace the challenges of the present, and build a future worthy of the promises yet to come. The Stone is prepared; let us be ready to receive it.