The Unseen Chariots: Faithfulness in the Gathering

There's a peculiar comfort in knowing you're not alone in the struggle. The trials of discipleship—the doubt, the weariness, the moments when the iron rod seems to waver—are not unique to us. Yet, how many are turning away, succumbing to the ease of a less demanding path? Rachel Stewart’s recent appearance on the 'Why I Stay' podcast offers a timely reminder of the enduring power of faithfulness, particularly in a season when the voices of dissent seem to grow louder. She speaks of a sense of urgency surrounding the gathering of Israel, a feeling mirrored in the prophetic counsel we’ve received from the Brethren.

Rachel’s reliance on 2 Kings 6:15-18 – “And when the servant of the man of God had risen early, and gone out, lo, there came a host of Syria round about the city, to seize Elisha. And one of his servants said, 'My lord, now the host of Syria is come round about us.' And he answered, 'Fear not: for they that are with us are more than they that are with him.' And when he arose early in the morning, and went forth, it pleased the Lord to hide the Syrian host from him” – is profoundly instructive. It’s a principle familiar to those who have sought to build Zion, to live the covenants, to press forward with an unwavering commitment to the Restoration. It's not merely an anecdote; it’s a divine pattern.

We often fixate on the visible, on the tangible outcomes of our efforts. We measure our progress by what we *see*. But the Lord’s work rarely unfolds in that manner. The very nature of the gathering requires a faith that extends beyond the immediate, a trust that transcends our limited understanding. This is where the unseen chariots reside – the divine interventions, the subtle orchestrations, the forces at work that we cannot perceive.

Consider the construction of the temples, the revelation of the Doctrine and Covenants, the very unfolding of the Book of Mormon. Each was born from moments of profound faith, moments when individuals and communities stepped forward despite overwhelming obstacles and uncertainty. To truly grasp the magnitude of these events, one must cultivate a prophetic eye, a willingness to see beyond the veil.

The formula Rachel shares – deepening gratitude through deliberate, mindful appreciation – is a potent antidote to the cynicism and despair that threaten to engulf us. It is a simple practice, but its power lies in its consistency. Just as the iron rod requires constant vigilance to maintain its hold, so too does gratitude require conscious cultivation. It’s not enough to *feel* thankful; we must actively *express* our gratitude, both to the Lord and to those around us.

And let us not forget the counsel of our prophets regarding the importance of covenant keeping. It is through these sacred agreements that we draw closer to the Lord and access His power. The temple, the priesthood, the ordinances – these are not mere rituals; they are conduits of divine grace, pathways to celestial glory. To neglect them is to sever ourselves from the source of our strength.

Rachel's testimony is a call to action. A call to courage. A call to unwavering faith. It is a reminder that the Lord is not idle, that He is actively engaged in our lives, even when we cannot perceive His hand. He invites us to press forward, to sacrifice, to believe—and He will meet us with the unseen chariots, the divine assistance, the blessings that surpass our wildest imaginings. Let us strive to out-sacrifice the Lord, not to diminish His glory, but to demonstrate the depth of our love and commitment.

What covenants have you made, and how can you strengthen your resolve to keep them, even amidst adversity? What expressions of gratitude can you offer today, not just in word, but in deed?