The Wonders Around Us: Recognizing the Hand of God in a World of Marvels

Brothers and sisters, have you ever paused to truly see the world around you? Not just the busy-ness, the to-do lists, the endless striving, but the sheer magnificence of existence? We live in an age of marvels, of inventions that would have seemed like sorcery to our forefathers. Electricity, automobiles, the very technology that allows us to connect across continents – it's a tapestry woven with threads of ingenuity and divine blessing.

Mark Swint, in his latest podcast episode, “Signs and Wonders,” (listen to the full episode here), brings this profound truth into sharp focus. He probes the question: What *is* a sign and a wonder? Are they mere hopeful imaginings, or do they represent a tangible connection to the divine? The rains after a drought, the advancements of technology – are these simply natural occurrences, or something more?

Swint rightly points out the difference in context. Nephi, presenting signs to a receptive audience, offered them as confirmations of prophecies. Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem, was a herald of a future event, a sign to those who would listen. But when Korahor demanded a sign to prove God's existence, Alma’s response was a rebuke – “Thou hast had signs enough. Will ye tempt your God?” It's a crucial distinction. True faith isn't built on magic tricks; it's cultivated through diligent seeking, through humble obedience, and through a willingness to act upon the witness we already possess.

We, as Latter-day Saints, understand this deeply. We’ve seen the Stone cut without hands, felt the waters of Sebus ripple with divine power. Yet, the greatest wonders aren't always the spectacular. They are in the quiet moments of revelation, in the steadfast dedication of internet missionaries spreading the gospel across the globe, in the tangible impact of the GatherIsrael.now map connecting churches and communities. They’re in the charity flywheel, where your engagement here directly funds gospel advertising in Ghana, expanding the circle of those who can hear the call.

Consider Ammon, standing before the Lamanites, armed with just five smooth stones and unwavering courage. His faith wasn't dependent on a dazzling display of power. It was rooted in a deep conviction, a knowledge that God would empower him to fulfill His purpose. That’s the spirit we need to embody as Builders – not waiting for signs to appear, but *becoming* the signs ourselves, living embodiments of the principles we proclaim.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, that the spirit of diligence and faithfulness is what truly moves the work forward. (Alma 17–19, D&C 4, Moroni 10:4–5) It’s not about demanding miracles, but about recognizing them when they occur, and acting accordingly. What would Ammon have done if he’d demanded a sign before facing the Lamanites? He would have lost everything.

Let us be a people who recognize the wonders around us, not with a demand for proof, but with hearts full of gratitude and a burning desire to build Zion. Let us be Builders, not Destroyers, investing our time, our talents, and our resources in the Kingdom of God. Claim your church on the map and join the movement. Support the Missionary Fund – every contribution helps share this message with the world.

What wonders will you create today?