Seeing the Hand of God: Signs, Spirit, and Our Vigilance

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the world throws up spectacle after spectacle. We see lightning striking towering landmarks—the Capitol, the Empire State Building, the One World Trade Center—all within days of each other. These kinds of events, captured on camera and shared across the ether, naturally draw our attention. It’s easy, when confronted with such visible power, to wonder: Is this a sign? What does it mean?

As returned missionaries, and as disciples learning to live as internet missionaries, we are constantly being asked to interpret the world around us. We want to point people toward the restored gospel, and sometimes the cultural noise makes it feel like we need a roadmap for every strange occurrence. It can feel overwhelming.

Recently, I was pondering some thoughts shared by a leader regarding signs, and it brought me back to a crucial principle we learn in our missionary discussions: perception requires illumination. It’s not about predicting the next lightning strike, but about cultivating the spiritual sight to *recognize* the hand of God when it moves.

The Spirit as the Lens

What struck me most was the emphasis on the Spirit. It wasn't that the events themselves were inherently divine; it was the Spirit of God that enables men and women to *comprehend* the work of God and perceive His providences. The principle is clear, and it’s vital for every disciple:

“The man who is destitute of the spirit of God cannot comprehend the work of God... The person that has the spirit will notice the movement of God; they will notice the signs.”

This isn't about being overly dramatic or jumping to conclusions. This is about diligent discipleship. It’s about ensuring that our own spiritual lenses are clean. If we are neglecting prayer, if we are letting iniquity muddy our hearts, or if we are simply letting the noise of the world drown out the quiet whisper of revelation, we risk becoming spiritually blind to the greatest signs of all: the persistent, unfolding work of the Savior.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: Discernment

If you are preparing for missions, or if you are simply trying to strengthen your testimony while serving locally, I want to leave you with this skill: When you encounter a seemingly inexplicable event—a powerful testimony, a sudden answer to prayer, or even something like the lightning striking a landmark—don't just observe it. Pause. Then, ask yourself, “What does the Spirit prompt me to *do* with this observation?”

The goal isn't to prove the existence of signs; the goal is to strengthen our faith so that when we share the gospel, our testimony is not just intellectual assent, but a deeply felt, Spirit-wrought conviction. That conviction is what truly illuminates the path for others.

We are called to be rogue disciples—disciples who are always ready, everywhere. Whether you are in the MTC, in your local ward, or simply scrolling through your phone as an internet missionary, remember that the greatest evidence of God's hand is the gathering of souls to Christ.

Keep Learning and Gathering

If you want to dive deeper into how to build that spiritual discernment, I highly recommend checking out some of the resources available through LivingBook. I’ve been digging into some passages lately that really speak to the necessity of enlightenment. If you’re looking for a structured way to study, consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. These are wonderful places to wrestle with these big questions alongside other committed disciples.

For those who are ready to practice this week, I’m hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge starting next week. Keep an eye on the community feed for the details! Let’s keep our eyes open, keep our hearts humble, and keep doing the work.