Standing Firm When the World Feels Like It's Turning Back to Darkness

Brothers and sisters, sometimes you feel it in the Spirit, don't you? A subtle shift in the cultural atmosphere. You might walk into a meeting, or even just scroll through the news, and feel a palpable sense of resistance—a feeling that the foundational truths we hold dear are under attack. It can feel like the very ground beneath our feet is shifting, and the whispers of ancient philosophies are getting louder.

It’s easy, when the world seems to be swinging back toward what feels pagan or secular, to feel overwhelmed. We hear voices—sometimes from outside sources, sometimes from deep within our own anxieties—speaking of 'vengeance' or 'ancient powers.' It’s a heavy weight to carry, but as returned missionaries, we’ve learned that the source of our strength isn't in predicting the future; it's in remembering the covenants we've made.

What we are seeing, reflected in teachings like Jonathan Cahn’s recent work, is a description of a spiritual war. The narrative suggests that when the gospel is marginalized—when the word is taken out of schools, or when public spaces feel less welcoming to the sacred—the spiritual vacuum is filled by opposing forces. It paints a picture of a battle for the young, for the very core of belief.

Staying Anchored: Our Response as Disciples

When the world is signaling a spiritual war, our natural inclination might be to retreat. To hide. But that is the very thing the adversary wants! Our calling, as Latter-day Saints, is not to hide; it is to bear testimony, to be visible disciples everywhere we go. This is the essence of being an internet missionary—a disciple anywhere, all the time.

If you are feeling the pressure, I want to bring us back to the basics, the things that always anchor us: the scriptures, the Spirit, and our commitment to preach my gospel.

• Study the Word: Don't let the noise drown out the voice of revelation. I encourage everyone to dive into the LivingBook. If you’re looking for deep dives, check out the Social Scripture Study layer—connecting with others over a passage can be incredibly fortifying.
• Seek Counsel: If you’re feeling uncertain about how to discuss these heavy topics with an investigator, remember Davee. His AI Investigator role is a gift; use him to walk through those tough questions so you can feel prepared, not panicked.
• Remember Your Callings: Whether you are preparing for your own mission, serving as a companion, or simply being a disciple in your own home, remember that the gospel is not a political movement; it is a divine reality. Our defense is the truth, spoken with love and humility.

We are called to be the light, even when the culture is trying to dim the candles. We must be prepared to bear testimony not just with our words, but with our lives—to be visibly Christlike in our daily routines.

A Little Preparation for the Field

To help us keep the momentum going, I want to remind everyone about our weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a low-stakes, high-reward way to practice sharing our testimonies and strengthening our individual bonds with the Spirit. It’s a perfect, practical way to hone those skills before you are called to stand in the field, whether that’s in a mission setting or right across the kitchen table.

If this talk has stirred something in your heart, please consider joining our next Book Club session in HolyPlaces. We’ve been discussing the Book of Mormon, and the insights shared are helping me feel more equipped for my own missionary discussions. Let's lift each other up!

Stay vigilant, stay faithful, and know that the Spirit is our greatest defense. We are the rogue disciples, and we are not going anywhere.