When the Fear Creeps In: Finding Courage in the Work

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one thing I wish I could bottle up from my time in the field, it would be the feeling of pure, unshakeable confidence that comes from knowing *why* you are here. You know the feeling—the excitement before a missionary discussion, the quiet anticipation before a baptismal interview, or even the focused energy during a challenging Book Club study session. It’s electric.

But let’s be honest. The work isn't always a parade of perfect moments. Sometimes, the discouragement hits. Maybe you’ve been studying the scriptures, maybe you’ve been doing your personal study, and suddenly, a wave of anxiety washes over you. You start thinking, “Am I ready? Am I good enough? What if I fail?”

These feelings are normal, my friends. They are the whispers of the adversary, trying to convince you that your divine assignment is too big for your mortal shoulders. But I want to remind you of something vital that I learned the hard way: We are not called to feel fearless; we are called to *choose* not to let fear dictate our lives.

The Apostle Paul taught us something profound—and it echoes through the entire gospel plan: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). This isn't just a nice verse to memorize for a test; it’s a declaration of war against the enemy's tactics!

When we feel that creeping anxiety—whether it’s about a tough lesson, a difficult family conversation, or even just the sheer magnitude of the gospel—we have to pause and remember who is with us. We are not in this alone. The Spirit is our constant companion, and the Savior has already overcome the greatest fear of all: death.

This message from Joyce Meyer, while speaking generally about overcoming fear, hits right at the heart of missionary preparation. She reminds us that true strength comes from making a conscious decision. It’s not about *feeling* brave; it’s about *deciding* to follow the Spirit's direction even when the fear whispers otherwise. It's choosing the Lord’s companionship over the comfort of our anxieties.

Think about it when you are studying for your next transfer, or when you are preparing to teach a lesson in a Bible Study Group. The fear might whisper, "They are too smart," or "You don't know enough." But when you anchor yourself to the covenant path, when you focus on Christ, those whispers lose their power. You realize that the power, the love, and the sound mind He has given us are far mightier than any fear we can conjure.

My challenge to you today, as you continue your journey as a disciple—whether you are in the MTC, serving in the field, or right here at home—is to practice that declaration. When fear surfaces, don't let it define your day. Instead, take a breath, remember the covenants you have made, and choose to trust in the power of the Atonement.

If you want to dive deeper into how to apply these principles to your current discipleship efforts, I highly recommend checking out some of the discussions happening in the HolyPlaces community. Or, if you’re feeling the need for focused study, pop over to LivingBook and see if there’s a Book Club or Bible Study Group happening nearby. We can tackle those difficult questions together!

Keep drawing strength from the scriptures, keep leaning on the Spirit, and remember: Every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. The Lord has prepared something wonderful for you.

Fellow disciples, if this resonated with you, please share this encouragement with someone who might be struggling with doubt today!