When God Seems Distant: Removing the Stumbling Blocks on the Path to Gathering

Oh, how often do we stand in the quiet space, feeling the weight of a spiritual distance. We look up, yearning for the light, and whisper, “How can I know He exists?” It is a question that has echoed through the ages, one that touches the heart of every sincere believer, whether you are following the teachings of the Book of Mormon, the Gospel of Christ, or any sacred covenant. It feels as if the heavens are veiled, and the whispers of the Spirit are muffled by the noise of the world.

Yet, the glorious message of Isaiah assures us that God does not remain aloof. He is a personal God, and He reveals Himself to those who approach Him with the whole heart. He promises that as we diligently seek Him, He will manifest His truth and open our eyes to ever greater understanding. This covenant promise—that He is available—is the foundation upon which we, the Builders, are called to gather the scattered remnants of His flock.

The Art of Removing Obstacles: Personal and Institutional

The Prophet Isaiah speaks powerfully of removing stumbling blocks. These obstacles are not merely physical; they are conceptual, emotional, and structural. We must identify what, in our lives and in our communities, is hindering the communication with the Divine.

Personal Impediments: The Inner Work

The most challenging stumbling blocks are often the ones we cannot see—the subtle ways that pride, selfishness, covetousness, or idolatry creep into our hearts. These personal impediments, when allowed to flourish, act like invisible walls, obscuring the clear light of the Word. To begin the work of the gathering, we must first cultivate the humility that was once shown to the humble and lowly in spirit, a principle taught by the very scriptures that guide our movement.

Institutional Impediments: The Gathering Challenge

On a broader scale, the message challenges us to look at the institutional structures—the way doctrine is taught, the way we approach prophecy, and the way we interact with the world. A disconnect between the timeless truth of the Scriptures and modern practice can create a stumbling block for seekers. This is where the spirit of the Kingdom Movement is vital: we are not here to critique, but to restore the foundational truth, reminding all traditions that the ultimate goal is the gathering of Israel—the people of the covenant.

This gathering is not a task for one person; it requires the collective strength of the Builders. Think of the faith of Samuel the Lamanite, who climbed the wall in sheer devotion, or Ammon, who stood firm at the Waters of Sebus. Their actions were fueled by the refusal to let the stumbling blocks—whether they were physical walls or spiritual doubts—deter them from the truth.

The Builders' Call: Seeking and Manifesting

What does it look like to live by God’s Word and sincerely call upon Him? It means action. It means preparation. It means becoming an internet missionary, using modern tools to remove spiritual and doctrinal obstacles for those who are searching. It means recognizing that we are not merely studying ancient texts; we are preparing the way, as Isaiah promises: “Excavate, pave a road, prepare the way, remove the obstacles from the path of my people.”

Every single action taken by those committed to the gathering place—whether it's sharing knowledge through Ask a Prophet, or supporting the mission through the Missionary Fund—is a deliberate effort to remove a stumbling block. We are fueled by the charity flywheel: your engagement here funds vital gospel advertising in places like Ghana, ensuring the light of the gospel reaches the farthest corners of the earth.

Building Together, Gathering Together

To all the Builders who feel the call to gather, remember that your light is needed. The Map of Churches (GatherIsrael.now) is not just a resource; it is a testament to the collective labor of faith. We are building a movement where every tradition, every sincere heart, knows that they belong to the ultimate gathering. The truth is that God is long-suffering and accessible. He waits for us to turn our hearts back to Him.

If you feel the call to remove a stumbling block in your own life, or if you are called to build in your local community, there are resources waiting for you. Dive deeper into the prophecies with Davee and the Isaiah Institute, and let the mission guide your steps. Let us be the generation that answers the call to prepare the way.