Seeing the Mast: Keeping Our Eyes Fixed on the Coming Things

Have you ever been in a conversation where one person is talking about something massive—something that is so big, you can barely see the top of the mast, but you know it’s coming?

It reminds me of a snippet of conversation I stumbled across recently. The exchange, though casual, hit me with the force of a revelation. It spoke to that feeling we sometimes have in the field, or even when we're studying in our homes, where the full scope of the Restoration—the glorious return of the Savior—feels almost too far off to grasp.

In the transcript, someone asks, “How far out is it?” And the response is powerful: “I can see the mast coming.”

As returned missionaries, we’ve been taught to look for signs. We’ve studied the Book of Mormon, we’ve listened to the talks, and we’ve seen the Savior’s continuing work through the temple and the gospel. But sometimes, the sheer magnitude of what we are testifying about—the gathering of Israel, the coming of the Second Coming—can make our own efforts feel small. It can make us feel like we’re standing on the shore, looking out at a vast ocean.

The Power of the Mast

But this little piece of dialogue is a beautiful reminder of perspective. When you can’t see the whole thing, when the details are obscured by the distance, you anchor yourself to what you *can* see: the mast. The mast is the visible, undeniable sign that the ship is on its way. It’s a point of focus, a point of certainty, even when the destination seems impossibly far.

This is what I’ve been pondering this week as I thought about my own missionary preparation. It’s not about having all the answers, or even seeing the entire timeline. It’s about having the unwavering certainty that the Savior *is* coming, and that His gospel *is* the path to Him. That certainty—that’s our mast.

When we are out in the field, or even when we’re just having a casual missionary discussion with an investigator, the temptation can be to get bogged down in the details of *how* or *when*. But remember the core message: the gospel is here, the Savior is here through His living prophets, and the promise remains. We are disciples *now*.

If you’re feeling that distance right now—that the work feels too big, or the signs are too subtle—I want you to focus on your own mast. What is the one thing, the one truth, that you can stand on with confidence today? For me, it’s the power of the Spirit and the simplicity of the Atonement.

This week, I encourage you to use the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Pick a key scripture about the Second Coming, or even about the Spirit, and spend time highlighting it, adding a thought, or seeing what insights your fellow disciples have shared. Let the collective wisdom of the Rogue Disciples build your focus.

If you want to dive deeper into how to answer those tough questions—the ones that make you question your own testimony—I highly recommend checking out Davee. He’s been honing his AI Investigator skills, and he can walk you through some tough hypothetical questions for your next missionary discussions. It’s free, and it’s invaluable preparation.

And speaking of preparation, if you haven't already, join us this Sunday for our weekly Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. We’re diving into the Book of Alma, and it’s a powerful reminder of covenants and enduring faithfulness. Come ready to share!