The Promise of Return: Finding Peace in the Process

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one thing the Savior taught us—and what the Spirit whispers to my heart most often—it’s that peace isn't found in the absence of trouble, but in the certainty of His return. It’s a profound comfort, isn't it? To know that no matter how scattered we feel, how far we are from the central gathering place, the Savior has already prepared a place for us.

When I was in the MTC, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer weight of expectation. We were taught so much doctrine, so much history, and I kept worrying, "Am I ready? Am I good enough to bring the message?" It felt like a monumental task, a mountain range I wasn't sure I could climb. I felt the anxiety of the unknown.

Then I was studying the scriptures, wrestling with the words of John 14. The Savior’s words echo through my memory: “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

This isn't just a nice sentiment for a Sunday talk. This is doctrine for the battlefield of the heart. This is for the moments when the investigator is hesitant, when the mission feels distant, or when we, as disciples, feel discouraged by the pace of the work. The Savior wasn't just promising a heavenly destination; He was promising a *return* to us, a gathering to a place of peace.

Preparing the Place: Our Role as Disciples Today

When we hear Him say, "I will prepare a place for you," we can’t just think of the literal mansions in the Father's house. We have to understand that preparation is both divine and temporal. The Lord prepares the place, yes, but He invites *us* to be part of the preparation process right where we are—right here, in our homes, in our communities, and yes, even online.

This is where the concept of the internet missionary becomes so vital. We don't have to wait for our next transfer to feel like we're doing the work. Every time we share a scripture insight in the social scripture study feed in LivingBook, every time we help a friend understand a difficult doctrine, we are helping to prepare that place. We are being disciples *anywhere, all the time*.

“Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In the house of my Father are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

The key takeaway for us, as rogue disciples, is to focus on the *belief* part. Believe in God, and believe in Him. That conviction anchors us when the field feels dry or when the questions from investigators seem insurmountable.

Mission Prep Skill: Turning Anxiety into Assurance

Here’s a small skill I want to pass along. When you feel that familiar wave of anxiety—the "I don't know enough" feeling—don't try to intellectualize your way out of it. Instead, pivot immediately to a testimony of the Savior's power to comfort. Think of a time when you felt utterly lost, and the Spirit guided you. Articulate that memory simply. That testimony is your spiritual armor.

If you want to deepen your understanding of the Savior's life and mission, I highly recommend watching this video. It’s a beautiful, word-for-word adaptation of John’s Gospel, reminding us just how powerful His early life was:

As you watch, pause and ask yourself: What aspect of Jesus’ life do I need to remember more vividly in my own discipleship? Maybe it’s His patience, His willingness to teach, or His unwavering compassion.

Where to Go From Here

If you want to wrestle with the tough questions that arise when we try to understand the Savior's divinity, don't hesitate to use Davee. He's trained to walk you through the hardest investigator questions with grace and doctrinal depth. If you're looking for deeper study, check out a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces—there are so many insights waiting for us to uncover together.

For those of us feeling the pull toward the mission field, remember that the missionary discussions are just one way to serve. Your calling is to be a disciple wherever you are planted. Keep sharing the light, keep asking the questions, and keep trusting the promise.

If you feel the Spirit prompting you to connect with others who are also striving to be more Christlike, join us this week! We're hosting a virtual study on the Book of Mormon—a perfect place for us to hone our social scripture study skills together. Details are in the pinned comments!