The Power of the Witness: Lessons from Elijah’s Mighty Works

Brothers and sisters, sometimes we look back at the scriptures and feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the calling. We see prophets like Elijah, men whose lives were marked by mighty works—predicting drought, calling the rain, and confronting kings. It can feel distant, like something only for the prophets of old. But as returned missionaries, as disciples called to *the work*, we know that the power required isn't in the dramatic chariot ride, but in the quiet, persistent testimony we bear day after day.

What strikes me most when I study the account of Elijah is not the spectacle, but the *sustainability*. He was called to do the impossible, yet his sustenance came through divine provision—ravens, a widow’s meager supplies. It’s a pattern we need to internalize: divine power meets human frailty, and the Spirit sustains us through the wilderness.

Sustaining the Testimony in the Wilderness

When the drought hit, Elijah was directed to Cherith, and then to Zarephath. These weren't comfortable assignments; they were assignments of radical reliance. When the supplies dwindled, the Lord provided. This teaches us something vital for us who are out in the field, whether that field is a tract home or a difficult conversation in a missionary discussion. Our physical stores might run low, but our covenant keeping, our commitment to the Spirit, is what keeps us going.

Think about the widow in Zarephath. She had just enough—enough to bake a cake for him, then for herself and her son. It was a testament to faith, a tangible act of keeping the covenant even when resources were nearly depleted. When we are preparing for our own callings, or even just trying to keep up with our current discipleship goals, we must remember that small, faithful acts—like keeping up with our scripture study or making that difficult appointment—are the bread and meat provided by the Lord.

The Witness That Changes Everything

Then we see the moments of profound confrontation. Elijah’s declaration to Ahab—"the Lord god of Israel lives before whom I stand; there shall not be dew nor rain these years except at my word"—is a stunning display of prophetic authority. But even in those moments, the focus remains on the Lord’s power, not Elijah’s own might.

This is a critical lesson for us as internet missionaries. We are not meant to be the source of the power; we are merely conduits. Our job is to testify—to bear witness of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When we feel like we are running on empty, we must remember that our testimony, when delivered with humility and conviction, is the divine rain that breaks the spiritual drought in someone’s life.

I encourage you all to look at the stories of healing, like when Elijah revived the child. It wasn't a single grand gesture; it was a sequence: the prayer, the laying on of hands, the Lord hearing the voice. Our discipleship, our effort to be Christlike, is built in these small, repeated acts of faith.

A Mission Prep Skill: The Art of the Humble Question

If I could give one mission prep skill today, it would be to master the art of the humble question. When you feel the urge to lecture or prove a point, pause. Instead, ask, "What are your thoughts on that?" or "What does the scriptures say to you about that?" This invites the Spirit to work through *them*, just as the lepers were led to the priests, and the widow was led to the miracle.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's keep building up our testimonies through consistent, humble effort.

If this message resonated with you, I invite you to join a Book Club in HolyPlaces this week. We are diving into the Book of Mormon, and discussing scripture together is the best way to feel the Spirit guiding our understanding. If you're new to the concept, check out the Bible Study Groups—it’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow disciples!