The Beauty of Wrestling: Finding Growth in Your Questions

Hey Rogue Disciples!

Christmas week, huh? There’s something about the season that just stirs the soul, doesn’t there? It’s a time for reflection, for joy, and, let's be honest, for wrestling with some big questions. I remember one Christmas when I was prepping for my mission – I was riddled with doubts. Doubts about my preparation, doubts about the work, and even doubts about my own faith. It felt overwhelming, like a huge stumbling block right before I was about to take the biggest leap of my life.

And that’s what got me thinking about a recent episode of This Is Kingdom, which I think every Latter-day Saint, especially those of us striving to be internet missionaries, should listen to. It’s a powerful conversation about seeking answers to spiritual questions, and how those questions, even the uncomfortable ones, are actually a pathway to incredible growth.

Listen to the full episode – it's a real balm for the soul. They talk about how asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness, but a precursor of growth. How many times have we felt that pressure to have all the answers, to be able to flawlessly explain every nuance of the gospel? It's a trap! The Brethren have consistently encouraged us to seek understanding, and that seeking *requires* asking questions.

I’ve found that the best growth in my discipleship has come from those times when I didn’t have all the answers. It's in those moments of uncertainty that we truly lean on the Lord, seek guidance from trusted mentors, and delve deeper into the scriptures. Remember those late-night discussions in the mission home, poring over Preach My Gospel with your companions, trying to understand a particularly challenging concept? Those weren’t failures; those were moments of profound learning.

One thing that really resonated with me from the podcast was the idea of finding mentors who are the kind of people you aspire to be. My friend Andrew shared a powerful experience about this – being approached by someone who recognized his potential and offered guidance. It's so much more than just getting answers; it's about being inspired to become.

As returning missionaries, we often feel this pressure to have it all figured out, to be the go-to resource for anyone struggling with their faith. But remember, we're not perfect! We’re all on this journey together, wrestling with our own questions and seeking answers. Let’s embrace that vulnerability, create space for honest conversations, and be those mentors for the next generation, just as those women were for Andrew.

And speaking of growth, are you participating in the weekly Disciple Challenge? It's a fantastic way to sharpen your scriptural understanding and cultivate a more intentional discipleship. This week's challenge focuses on Isaiah – a prophet who faced immense challenges and yet remained steadfast in his testimony. It's a powerful reminder that even when we're facing our own storms, we can find strength and clarity in the Lord’s word. Join the challenge – you won't regret it!

Also, don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with other Latter-day Saints who are passionate about scripture-discipleship. Check out the Book Clubs and Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. It's a vibrant community where you can share insights, ask questions, and grow together.

Davee’s been working on something to help us navigate those tough investigator questions, too. He's been simulating challenging scenarios, and it's proving invaluable for practicing our responses and building confidence. If you’re prepping for a mission, or just want to sharpen your ability to share your testimony, definitely give it a try.

Keep wrestling, keep questioning, keep seeking. That’s where the real growth happens.

Until next time,

Your Brother,

[Your Name]