The Thrill of Faith: Becoming Through Revelation

We chase efficiency. Productivity. Metrics. The relentless pursuit of *doing*. But what if the Lord’s design for us isn’t primarily about what we accomplish, but about *becoming*?

David Butler and Stefan Tager, in the latest episode of the Revival podcast, draw deeply from President Russell M. Nelson’s recent conference address on confidence in God, and the resulting discussion provides a balm for the soul—a reminder of the sheer joy and excitement inherent in discipleship. It's a joy often buried beneath the weight of expectations and the anxieties of a world that measures worth in tangible outcomes. They articulate a vital truth: Christianity isn't about obligation; it's about relationship—a thrilling, transformative relationship with our Father in Heaven.

The anecdote about Michelangelo’s David, and the lesser-known sculptures known as “The Prisoners,” resonated profoundly. The sheer effort, the vision, the artistry—it speaks to the divine process of refinement. We, too, are being hewn from the rough stone of our mortality, shaped by the Master Sculptor’s hand. This isn't a passive process; it requires our active participation, a willingness to be broken down and rebuilt into something more beautiful, more Christlike.

Stefan’s observation about God gifting individuals—like prophets and apostles—is crucial. They are, in their own humanity, conduits of divine power, demonstrating the transformative grace available to all. To recognize this isn't to elevate them above us, but to understand the immense responsibility and blessing that accompanies their calling. It reinforces the principle that we, too, can be vessels of revelation and instruments of God’s work.

David’s personal experience—seeing a young man he taught baptized, then witnessing that same young man preparing to serve a mission—is a powerful testament to the generational ripple effect of faith. It's a reminder that we are part of a continuing narrative, a grand tapestry woven through the ages. And that participation, that witnessing of God’s power in action, is a source of profound joy and renewed commitment.

The commentary on Tuesday, designated as a day of double blessings because God declared it “good” twice in the creation story, is a charming illustration of the Lord’s attention to detail and His desire to bless His children. It’s a simple detail that underscores the richness and depth of divine love.

This episode, like so many insights from the Brethren, calls us to a deeper reckoning with our own faith journeys. Are we embracing the thrill of discipleship, or are we simply going through the motions? Are we actively seeking opportunities for transformation, or are we clinging to the comfort of the familiar?

Let us strive to cultivate a spirit of childlike wonder, a willingness to be surprised and delighted by the Lord’s goodness. Let us seek out those moments of revelation, those glimpses into the divine, that remind us of the profound and exhilarating privilege of being Latter-day Saints.

Consider this prompt: Identify one area of your life where you feel a sense of obligation or burden. Pray for the Spirit to reveal how you can reframe that experience as an opportunity for growth and joy, a chance to become more fully the person the Lord desires you to be.