Trusting the Master Plan: Finding Good in the Wait

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the weight of the world—or maybe just the weight of a tough mission call, or a difficult conversation in the ward—can make us question the goodness of the Father. We’ve all been there, haven't we? We’ve been disappointed by people we thought would be our companions, or we’ve faced moments where the Lord’s timing seemed painfully slow.

It’s easy, when we’re deep in the trenches of missionary preparation, or even when we’re just trying to live our discipleship here at home, to let the whispers of the adversary creep in. He whispers that maybe the best isn't coming, or that perhaps the promises aren't real.

But friends, we know better. We know the pattern of the Atonement, and we know the character of our Father. He *wants* the best for us. He has a plan, a divine, perfect plan, and nothing can derail it.

I was recently reflecting on some scripture study, and it really hit home how often we mistake temporary disappointment for permanent divine redirection. We look at the fall in Eden, and we see the choice between knowing good and knowing evil. It’s a powerful reminder that while we have the agency to stumble, we never lose the Father’s overarching love or His ultimate desire for our eternal progression.

This message really resonated with me as I was thinking about the commitment required to be an internet missionary. It’s not always a dramatic, visible success story. Sometimes the greatest work is done in the quiet persistence—the daily study, the consistent sharing of testimony, the willingness to keep showing up even when the Spirit feels distant.

The Divine Timing of the Work

Think about the pattern of the gospel. The Savior didn't just appear; He came through covenants, through preparation, and through the faithfulness of prophets. Our efforts in the field, our *work*, are part of that divine unfolding. When we feel like we’re spinning our wheels, remember that the Lord is doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. He is preparing the hearts, and He is preparing *us*.

If you’re feeling discouraged right now—maybe you just finished your MTC, or maybe you’re struggling to build momentum in your local book club—I want you to anchor yourself in the promises. Don't let the temporary setback convince you that the eternal promise is conditional. It is not.

“And it came to pass that the Lord did know the hearts of the children of men.”

We can trust that the Lord knows our hearts, and He is reserving the best blessings—the spiritual growth, the strengthening of our testimonies, the opportunity to gather Israel—for those who keep their eyes fixed on Him. Don't let the enemy convince you that your best is not enough, or that the Father’s best isn't waiting for you.

This week, as you engage in your own discipleship—whether it's through a deep dive in HolyPlaces or just quiet reflection—I encourage you to focus on one small act of trust. What is one thing you will do this week, no matter how small, that is purely an act of faith, trusting that the Lord will guide the outcome?

If you want to talk through some of those tough questions—the ones that keep you up at night—I highly recommend running through a session with Davee. He's fantastic at role-playing those tricky investigator discussions!

For those who want to deepen their study, check out the latest insights in the social scripture study feed in LivingBook. Let’s keep building each other up, discipleship by disciple.