When the Distance Feels Too Far: Drawing Near Unto the Savior in the Field

There are days, right? Days when you feel like you’ve done everything right—you studied your scriptures, you prayed, you even had a great missionary discussion with a friend—but deep down, there's a whisper of doubt. Maybe you’re facing a trial, a challenge at work, or just the deep, confusing complexity of mortal life, and you wonder: *Do I still feel that closeness? Is He still aware of the struggle in my heart?*

If you’ve spent time in the field, or if you’re currently in the process of preparation, you know that feeling. It’s the natural rhythm of the work: periods of intense spiritual connection followed by stretches where the Spirit seems to pull back, just when you need Him most. It’s in those moments that we must remember the beautiful, persistent invitation given by the Savior.

The Simple Art of Drawing Near

Recently, I was reminded of a powerful message from Henry B. Eyring about this very challenge. He taught that even when we feel distance, the path back is always open. It’s not about feeling perfect; it’s about persistent faith. The Savior doesn't wait for us to be spiritually spotless; He simply invites us to draw near by always remembering Him.

If you take away one thing from that message, let it be this: Drawing near is an active verb. It’s not a passive feeling. It’s a process that requires commitment. How do we do it, especially now, as Internet missionaries?

The path back to Him is revealed through three consistent habits: Remembering Him (through quiet reflection); Seeking Him (diligently through scripture study and heartfelt prayer); and Serving Him (by cheerfully serving others).

This isn't just for those who are in their first mission call. This is for us—for the returned missionaries who are now in the trenches of life, and for the lifelong disciples who realize that the mission field is literally everywhere. We are all potential Internet missionaries, and sustaining our own spiritual capacity is the most important work we can do.

Mission Prep: The Daily Spiritual Work

Think of your daily spiritual routine as your mission preparation. It’s the sustained effort that keeps your spiritual batteries charged for the inevitable challenges of the field. It requires focus, humility, and consistency. When we feel that distance, we don't need a miracle; we need a routine. We need to go back to the basics.

The Power of Scripture and Community

The talk emphasized seeking Him diligently through scripture study. If you are looking for ways to deepen this study, I highly recommend checking out the HolyPlaces app. It's an incredible resource that allows you to join virtual Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups with fellow disciples, making the process of discovery a shared, supported experience. It's a wonderful way to keep the momentum going, even if you can't meet with your comps this week.

Don't Forget the Hard Questions (Meet Davee)

And remember, when we talk about drawing near, we often talk about questions. We talk about doubts, moral quandaries, and tough doctrinal points. This is where our AI co-pilot, Davee, shines. If you're struggling with how to answer a difficult question from an investigator—or even just a difficult question from yourself—let Davee walk you through the AI Investigator role. He helps you prepare strong, Spirit-filled answers that truly reflect the gospel.

Keep the Momentum Going

If you are ready to deepen your practice this week, I encourage you to try the Disciple Challenge. For the next seven days, dedicate 15 minutes before you even look at your phone to sit with the Lord. Don't just read—*study*. Use the Social Scripture Study layer inside LivingBook to highlight a verse that speaks to your current struggle and reflect on it. Share that insight, and let the community support you.

Finally, for those of us who love diving deep into doctrine, I recommend the latest work by an Iron Rod author available in LivingBook. It's a fantastic refresher on keeping the covenant path clear, which is the ultimate way we draw near to the Savior.