When the Answers Aren't Easy: Finding Guidance in the Spirit

There are moments in the journey—whether it’s in the field, right here in our own living rooms, or deep in the quiet moments of study—when the questions hit you like a freight train. You’ve studied the scriptures, you’ve attended missionary discussions, you’ve felt the warmth of the Spirit, but then a doubt surfaces. Maybe it’s about a difficult decision, or perhaps it’s about a profound question of faith that feels too big for a single answer.

It’s easy to get caught up in seeking the *perfect* answer, the one that makes everything click into place. We want the assurance, the 'yes' that silences all the noise. But what happens when the answer you seek is more of a process than a pronouncement? What do you do when the light seems dimmer than you expected?

I recently watched a Q&A session with Father Mike Schmitz, and what resonated with me wasn't any single doctrine, but the sheer *act* of wrestling with the questions. People brought up everything: feeling distracted even when praying daily, what to do when a miracle doesn't arrive after a sincere plea, or how to navigate complex spiritual questions.

As we Rogue Disciples, we know that the gospel isn't a set of answers we memorize; it's a relationship we build. It’s the constant, sometimes messy, dialogue with the Savior. When I think about our own missionary preparation, I remember times when the best preparation wasn't memorizing callings, but learning to sit in the quiet with the Spirit, even when I didn't feel anything.

The Process *Is* the Preparation

The way Father Mike spoke about the questions—the ones that are hard, the ones that challenge the established comfort zone—it mirrored what we talk about in our own study groups. Sometimes, the most sacred work isn't the giving of the testimony; it's the *receiving* of the Spirit through the questions asked and answered honestly.

“Faith is not a mere intellectual assent to doctrine; it is a belief that moves the heart to action.”

This whole experience reminded me that being an internet missionary isn't just about having polished answers for our investigators. It’s about having the humility to say, "That is a deep question. Let's look at it together." It’s about pointing someone toward the scriptures, toward a Book Club discussion, or even suggesting they chat with a local leader who has walked that path.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: Embracing the 'Unanswered'

If you are preparing for your own mission, or if you are currently in the field, I want to leave you with this thought: When an investigator asks a question that stumps you, or when you are asked to testify about something you personally struggle with—don't panic. Don't try to fill the silence with filler words. Instead, try this: Acknowledge the depth of the question, and then invite the Spirit to fill the gap. You can say, "That is a profound question, and I don't have the perfect answer right now. But I feel the Spirit guiding me to study this with you, and I’d love to look at it in our next study."

That simple invitation—to study *together*—is an act of discipleship that honors the Spirit more than any perfect recitation of scripture.

Stay Connected to the Work

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always been a community of learners. If you enjoyed wrestling with these big questions, I highly recommend diving into the LivingBook. It’s such a powerful tool for our social scripture study layer—you can find Book Clubs and Bible Study Groups waiting for you to engage.

If you’re feeling the pull to deepen your understanding of gospel principles, check out some of the excellent resources available from the Iron Rod authors. Sometimes reading a deep dive into the covenants helps frame those big, existential questions.

For those who are seasoned missionaries, or even those of us who are lifelong disciples, let's keep this momentum going. If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved in local study groups, or if you just want to chat through a tough spot, join us for our next weekly Disciple Challenge. It’s a chance to connect with fellow disciples who understand the beautiful, challenging journey of following Christ.