The Power of Being Chosen: Finding Our Witness in Every Moment

Sometimes, the greatest moments of revelation don't happen on the grand stage, or during a formal missionary discussion. Sometimes, they happen when we are simply *present*—when we are in the midst of the ordinary, the messy, and the unexpected.

Watching accounts like Mary Magdalene's journey—a life transformed by witnessing the Savior—it hits you how profoundly the Spirit works. It’s not always a dramatic miracle; sometimes, it’s the quiet realization that you *are* wanted, that you *are* seen, and that you *are* capable of following.

As we continue in the work, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or right here in our homes as Internet missionaries, we are all called to be chosen witnesses. We are called to be the disciples who don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect setting to share the gospel.

The Witness in the Everyday

The narrative we see in these accounts is rich with contrasts: the outcasts versus the respectable, the miracle versus the accusation. It speaks to a core truth of the restored gospel: the gospel isn't just for the perfect; it’s for the broken, the searching, and the willing.

Think about the challenge of being a disciple today. We are constantly navigating the noise of the world. We hear the arguments, the skepticism, and sometimes, the outright opposition. It can feel overwhelming, like trying to keep the light burning when the world seems intent on casting shadows.

But remember the charge: “Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you.” That is the gospel in action! That is the ultimate missionary preparation skill—the ability to meet hostility with Christlike love. It requires us to be humble enough to learn, and brave enough to testify, even when we don't have the perfect script or the perfect companion by our side.

Being a Disciple Anywhere

This principle is what makes the calling of a disciple so beautiful and so boundless. It echoes the core belief of the rogue disciples movement: every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

If you are feeling the weight of the calling, or perhaps you are preparing for your own mission, I want to remind you to lean into the Spirit. Don't try to intellectualize your testimony into submission. Instead, find a way to *feel* the Savior’s power in your daily life. Use your time in the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook to connect with others who are wrestling with the same deep questions. Let those shared insights build your confidence.

The Spirit doesn't wait for us to be polished; He guides us through the polishing. He empowers us to speak when we feel weak, and to serve when we feel inadequate.

For those of us who are returning missionaries, or who have been out in the field for a while, remember that the journey continues. We are always learning how to be more Christlike. If you’re feeling stuck, I highly recommend diving into the latest Iron Rod writings. They are filled with practical wisdom for navigating the nuances of modern discipleship.

If you’re ready to practice turning that testimony into action, I invite you to join our next weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a low-stakes, high-Spirit way to build up our testimonies together. We'll be discussing how to turn moments of confusion into opportunities to share the good news!