Running Out the Grave: What Encountering the King Does to Your Story

There are times when the weight of the world feels like it's pressing down, making you feel like a beggar on the street, or a thief caught in the wrong place. We look around, and we cry out, “Is there someone to help me see?”

If you’ve ever felt that deep sense of being lost—blind, cold, or utterly alone—you know that feeling. It’s the feeling that precedes the miracle. It’s the feeling that makes you desperate enough to reach out and touch the robe of someone who can change everything.

The message of the restored Gospel, the core of the work, is fundamentally a story of resurrection. It’s not just about the historical event; it’s about the ongoing, personal reality of that power available to every single one of us. It’s about realizing that no matter how deep the tomb, the Savior’s power is greater.

I was thinking a lot this week about Phil Wickham’s song, “Resurrection Story.” Listening to it, I kept thinking about the journey of discipleship itself. Sometimes we feel like we’re still in the tomb—stuck in doubt, stuck in routine, or maybe even stuck in the comfort of what’s familiar, even if it’s not *good*.

But the testimony we receive, the Spirit we feel when we study the scriptures, that’s the sound of the stone rolling away. That’s the sound of the Savior calling our name. It means that even when we feel like we’ve lost the fight, when we feel like we’ve been dead to the world, the Atonement is active. He says, “Child, open your eyes.”

For us as disciples, this means our lives are never meant to stay in the dark. Our purpose, as Latter-day Saints, is to carry the light. We are called to be internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. Our personal resurrection story—the one where we go from being lost to being found—is what gives us the power to testify of the living Christ to others.

One Word, One Touch, One Encounter

The lyrics repeat it beautifully: “One word, one touch, one encounter with the King / And my life has never been the same.”

When we are preparing for missions, or when we are teaching a friend in a missionary discussion, we are essentially inviting them to that encounter. We aren't just reciting doctrine; we are pointing them toward the One who called *our* names. We are pointing them toward the power that lifts us out of the grave of doubt and despair.

This principle applies to our daily lives too. If you feel spiritually dry, if you’ve been going through a tough time, I encourage you to revisit the scriptures. Maybe it’s an Isaiah study, or perhaps you want to dig into the Book of Mormon through a focused Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Don't just read; *encounter* the words. Let the Spirit guide you to what you need to hear.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The "What If" Question

As we continue to build our skills for the work, here’s a small thing I want to pass along. When you are studying a concept—say, the plan of salvation—and you feel comfortable with your answer, pause. Then, ask yourself: “What if this person challenges me on the *mechanism*? What if they ask how the Atonement applies to *this specific sin*?”

This is where the AI Investigator role comes in handy. If you're feeling shaky on a difficult doctrinal point, run it by Davee. Walking through the hard questions *before* you meet them in the field is the best preparation a returned missionary can give himself. It builds confidence that flows from knowledge and testimony.

We are all on this journey together. Whether you are getting ready for your own call, or you are a lifelong disciple building up your local ward, remember that the power is always available. The King is calling your name.

If this message resonated with you, please consider joining a Book Club in HolyPlaces this week. Let’s study together and lift each other up as we prepare to share the gospel!