Seeing the Threads: Following the Spirit Through Changing Landscapes

Brothers and sisters, sometimes I find myself sitting down with my study group, and we’re going over passages about Zion, about gathering, about the steadfastness of the covenant people. It’s always such a powerful reminder of the promises of the Lord, right? We talk about building Zion, about the covenants we make, and how the Lord has always guided His people to safety and to the fullness of the gospel.

But lately, watching the currents of the world, and even watching these kinds of videos—videos that are really trying to piece together patterns from historical events, from architectural plans, from prophetic statements—it makes you pause. It makes you wonder: How does the Spirit guide us when the visible markers seem to be shifting, when the physical landscapes of our faith seem to be undergoing profound changes?

I came across a collection of messages regarding the Community of Christ, and honestly, it prompted a lot of thought. It wasn't about doctrine, per se—I respect that every soul is worthy of dignity and respect, and we must always approach others with charity. But it was about the *pattern*. It was about the persistent, almost uncanny, thread of gathering and preparation, even when the visible structures seem to be in flux.

It reminds me of something I was studying recently while working through the Book of Mormon. When Nephi was told to gather the records and the people, the journey wasn't easy. They faced opposition, they faced physical setbacks, but the core commandment—the commandment to gather—remained the unwavering beacon. That’s what I keep coming back to when I feel overwhelmed by the noise of the world or the confusion of differing interpretations.

The principle that strikes me, and I want to share this with you as we all continue in the work, is that the Lord’s plan is bigger than any single building, any single organizational structure, or any single interpretation of scripture. The plan is the gospel itself, and the gospel is eternal.

If you’re feeling that pull—that sense that the world is shifting, that things are changing rapidly—don't let it paralyze you. Instead, let it galvanize your efforts to be disciples *where you are*. Be the internet missionary in your own backyard. Be the disciple in your workplace, your school, your neighborhood.

When I was preparing for my own mission, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the work. I thought, "How can one person make a difference?" Then I was reminded by my district leader that the work isn't about one person; it’s about the cumulative effort of the Body. It’s about showing up, day after day, with humility and persistence.

If you want to wrestle with these big, overarching questions—the ones about prophecy, about Zion, about what it means to be a disciple in a confusing age—I highly recommend diving into the discussions happening in LivingBook. Whether it’s a Book Club dissecting the Book of Mormon or just engaging in the Social Scripture Study feed, there are so many minds wrestling with the same eternal questions. It’s a wonderful place to build up your testimony through shared study.

Speaking of building up our testimony, I wanted to give you a quick mission-prep skill for this week. When you’re talking to someone who seems skeptical, don't try to answer every difficult question right away. Instead, practice the art of *listening for the underlying yearning*. What are they *really* afraid of? Is it loneliness? Is it meaning? Is it stability? Address the ache, not just the intellectual objection. That’s where the Spirit can whisper.

If you feel the Spirit prompting you to connect with others who are also wrestling with these deep questions, please join our next virtual gathering. It’s a chance to share insights, hear testimonies, and lift each other up in the Spirit. Details are pinned in the community feed!