The Power of Looking Back: How Divine Reflection Fuels the Work

There are moments when the sheer weight of the work—the sheer *amount* of the work—can feel overwhelming. We’re doing the interviews, we’re doing the calls, we’re prepping for the next round of transfers, and sometimes we just need a moment to breathe and remember.

We often think of spiritual growth as a straight, upward climb. We focus on the next book we need to read, the next skill we need to master, or the next assignment we need to get to. But today, I want to talk about the sacred, powerful, and sometimes overlooked gift of *reflection*.

When we hear the word 'reflection,' we might think of looking back in nostalgia, or worse, looking back in regret. But the Spirit teaches us that reflection, when done correctly, is one of the most encouraging, powerful tools in our spiritual arsenal. It’s not about dwelling on what was difficult, or what we wish we had done differently. It’s about gratitude. It’s about the goodness of God.

In fact, the scriptures remind us that when God encourages us to remember, it's almost always centered on Him. It’s not, 'Gosh, I was so dumb back then.' It’s, 'Remember how the Lord delivered you from this situation, and how His faithfulness guided you through it.' That shift—from self-blame to divine gratitude—is everything.

The Focus Must Be God’s Goodness

This is the core principle that every disciple, whether they are in the MTC, serving a mission, or are an Internet missionary in their own home, needs to grasp. Our reflection shouldn't be a critique of our past selves; it should be a celebration of the Lord’s perfect timing and boundless grace.

Think about a time when you were studying the Book of Mormon with your Bishop, or maybe you were in missionary discussions, and you felt utterly lost. You felt like you had nowhere to go. But then, the Spirit nudged you, or a friend—a comp, a district leader, a member—showed you a specific verse, or pointed you toward a Book Club discussion. That wasn't luck. That was divine direction. That is what reflection helps us remember. It reminds us that we have been delivered, guided, and sustained by the Lord's power.

Reflection as an Internet Missionary Skill

How can we apply this to our everyday lives as disciples? We can turn this into a simple, powerful skill: the spiritual inventory. When you feel discouraged, or when you are preparing for a difficult conversation with an investigator, don't just focus on the task ahead. Pause. Take three minutes to reflect on a time when you felt weak, but the Spirit was strong. Remember a time when you were struggling to understand the plan of salvation, but a member took the time to teach you, or when you were taught a concept like the difference between the Gospel and mere philosophy.

This practice doesn't just boost your confidence; it solidifies your testimony. It reminds you that the Lord has been faithful *to you*. And when we are filled with that gratitude, it becomes a powerful witness of the Gospel. It makes us better teachers, more empathetic disciples, and more effective internet missionaries.

A Challenge for All Disciples

I encourage you to try a spiritual reflection exercise this week. Instead of simply listing things you *did*, write down three specific moments where you felt you were relying on your own strength, but the Spirit was the true source of your peace or guidance. Focus on the *moment God showed up*. This shifts the focus entirely, keeping it centered on the goodness and faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

If you want to deepen this skill, I highly recommend diving into the teachings of Avraham Gileadi. His writings on spiritual discipline are perfect for structuring this kind of grateful reflection. You can find some excellent material in LivingBook.

Speaking of study, we are hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge focused on spiritual inventory. It's a perfect time to turn this principle into habit. Join us this week to discuss how to keep our focus on the goodness of God! Click here to register for the Disciple Challenge.

Remember, we are not just passing time; we are preparing for the work, and the greatest preparation starts with a grateful heart.