The Good Hand of God: Rebuilding Our Lives, One Step at a Time

Remember that feeling? The one where you feel like you’ve been knocked back—maybe a tough transfer, a discouraging missionary discussion, or just a week where everything feels overwhelming. It can feel like everything you’ve built has crumbled. You look around, and the task of ‘rebuilding’ seems impossible. You wonder if the foundation is even salvageable.

If you’ve ever felt that way, you know the ache. But I want to share a truth that has anchored me during my own return: rebuilding is never a sudden, cinematic miracle. It is a quiet, persistent process, fueled by the Spirit and anchored by remembering the goodness of God.

The Art of Starting Over

The story of Ezra and Nehemiah is the ultimate blueprint for this principle. After decades of captivity, the people didn't wake up one day and instantly have a perfect, finished temple. Their work was slow, marked by opposition, discouragement, and endless setbacks. Yet, through their commitment—through showing up, day after day—they rebuilt not just a city, but a covenant relationship with the Lord.

This principle is so deeply relevant to the life of a disciple today. Whether you are preparing for your mission, navigating the complexities of a Bishopric, or just trying to keep up with your scripture studies, progress often feels less like a straight line and more like a winding, uphill climb. We are constantly in a state of spiritual rebuilding.

The Good Hand of God is Always Present

The scripture is clear: the Lord's hand is upon His people. When we feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the work—the work of building Zion, or the work of getting our own lives in order—we need to remember that God’s power is not defined by our immediate progress. It is defined by His grace.

This week, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman dive into the inspiring journey of Ezra and Nehemiah. They remind us that the joy of the Lord becomes our strength, and that our identity is not defined by our past mistakes or current struggles, but by the promise of a fresh start. They emphasize that we are always invited to accept the Lord's new decree and move forward with faith and joy.

I highly recommend listening to the full episode of the Don’t Miss This podcast. It’s a powerful reminder that even when we feel like we are laying the foundation for a beautiful structure, we need to commit to the small, consistent acts of devotion.

A Small Skill for the Internet Missionary

If you take one thing away from Ezra and Nehemiah, let it be this: Don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect group of people to feel like you can start building. You can start with the resources and relationships you have right now. This is the essence of being an Internet missionary.

A great skill to practice this week is 'The Single Step Testimony.' When you feel the pull to share your testimony with someone online—whether it’s a comment on a friend’s post or a quick chat with an investigator—don't try to cover your entire gospel life. Instead, focus on one single, simple moment where you felt the Spirit, or one specific scripture that changed your perspective. That singular, genuine step is often the most powerful.

• Focus: A single moment of grace or revelation.
• Goal: To make the testimony immediately relatable and digestible.
• Practice: Share it online, or share it with a friend who is struggling.

We are all disciples, no matter where we are or what our circumstances are. Every member can be an Internet missionary. Every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's embrace the good hand of God upon us, and keep rebuilding.

If you want to continue building your knowledge and deepening your study of scripture, I encourage you to check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces. It's a wonderful way to find accountability and shared devotion with fellow disciples!