The Birth Pangs of the Restoration: Understanding the Signs of the Times

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to labor in the vineyard—whether we’re in the MTC, serving in a mission field, or right here in our own homes—it’s easy to get caught up in the immediate urgency of the day. We feel the pull of the Spirit, we are eager to share the gospel, and we are so focused on the *next* conversion or the *next* testimony moment. But sometimes, the noise of the world—the headlines, the global tensions, the sheer weight of modern life—can make us feel overwhelmed, like the world itself is in labor.

It’s in moments like these that I find myself going back to the foundational teachings, the words that anchor us when the storms rage. We are taught to be prepared, not out of fear, but out of love and expectation. And the Savior, in His infinite wisdom, gave us specific markers to watch for.

I was recently studying the words of Matthew 24 again, and the depth of the Savior’s counsel truly struck me. When the disciples asked Him about the signs of His coming, His answer wasn't a list of doom; it was a detailed map of transition. He spoke of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. But the phrase that kept echoing in my heart, the one that requires us to pause and truly meditate, was: 'All these are the beginning of sorrows.'

When we look at that phrase—'beginning of sorrows'—we must remember the original Greek translation: birth pangs. Think about that analogy. A birth pang is not the end; it is the intense, painful, necessary precursor to something magnificent being brought into the world. It speaks of labor, not collapse.

The Three Marks of Spiritual Labor

The Savior uses the analogy of labor because it is inherently progressive. Birth pangs, just like the signs He described, have three key characteristics:

1. Increase in Frequency: The events become more common.
2. Increase in Intensity: The severity of the challenges grows.
3. Pointing to Something Wonderful: Despite the pain, the ultimate outcome is life, restoration, and the arrival of something new—the fullness of the gospel restored through the Restoration.

This is where the perspective of a returned missionary—one who has been through the intense, focused labor of the MTC and the field—becomes so vital. We learn to look *through* the immediate crisis to the ultimate promise. The wars and rumors of wars we see today, the global tensions, the economic instability—these are not signs that we should panic or despair. They are the pangs of a world being pushed toward the dawn of the restored gospel, a gospel that *every* member can participate in sharing, right where they are.

Being Disciples in the Pang

How do we, as disciples, navigate these 'birth pangs'? We anchor ourselves in the principles of Christ. We are called to be Christlike, to keep our focus on the Savior, and to remember that the work never stops. Our role, whether we are leading a Book Club in HolyPlaces, preparing for missionary discussions, or simply sharing a scripture insight online, is to be steady. We are the steady light in the labor.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the news cycle, I encourage you to take a moment today to shift your focus. Instead of consuming the fear, let’s focus on the faith. Let’s study the scriptures together. If you haven't already, dive into the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Seeing how others are applying the principles of perseverance can be incredibly uplifting.

For those of us who are newer to this understanding, or who feel shaky on how to discuss these weighty topics with investigators, I highly recommend spending some time with Davee. He’s excellent at walking through the tough, nuanced questions an investigator might ask about the end times, helping you formulate answers rooted in doctrine and love. It’s a powerful tool for any disciple, regardless of experience.

Let’s keep our hearts humble, our testimonies bright, and our focus fixed on the glorious arrival of our Redeemer. The labor is real, but so is the promise!