When the Foundations Shake: Finding Christ-Centered Healing in Hardship

There are times in life when the very foundations seem to shake. Maybe it’s a significant relationship ending, a job loss, or a deep disappointment that leaves you feeling scattered and adrift. When we face that kind of fracture, it is easy to look outward—to sources of comfort, advice, or temporary distraction—and feel that we will find the missing piece.

But as returned missionaries, we know the core truth: the answers we seek are always found back at the center—at the feet of the Savior. The journey toward true healing is less about rebuilding the broken pieces and more about finding the peace that only comes from the Atonement.

The Power of the Atonement: Where True Healing Begins

The recent interview with Noelle McBride provided such a powerful testimony of this principle. Her story of going through divorce—a heartbreaking and profound loss—shows us that the spiritual process of healing is a sacred, non-linear journey. When she found herself in a state of deep grief, the instinct might be to fill the void with anything but the Gospel. She experienced the struggle, the confusion, and the desire to seek outside sources. Yet, the enduring power of the gospel, the constant whisper of the Spirit, eventually guided her back to the one source that could truly mend her.

This isn't just a lovely story; it's a blueprint for disciple-making. It reminds us that our greatest spiritual lessons often arrive wrapped in our greatest trials. The gospel doesn't promise that we won't feel the pain of loss; it promises that we won't have to face that pain alone.

The Leader’s Role: Being a Disciple in the Trenches

For those of us who are called to lead, whether as a Bishop, a Ward Council member, or even just a committed disciple in our own homes, this video offers vital counsel. The counsel is clear: our role is not to solve the problem, but to shepherd the soul. We are called to be present. We are called to listen with genuine empathy and respect personal revelation. The most powerful thing a leader can do is simply *be* there—to sit in the silence and allow the Spirit to work.

This principle is the very definition of being an Internet missionary. We don't always need to be in a field or in an MTC setting to minister. We can be ministers in our own homes, in our workplaces, and in our communities. We can be a light of hope, simply by being Christlike in the face of someone else's brokenness.

Mission Prep Skill: The Power of the Question

One key takeaway that can help any disciple, whether you are preparing for a mission or just attending your weekly Bible Study Group, is learning to ask the right questions. When a member comes to you struggling, resist the urge to immediately offer platitudes or advice. Instead, try asking questions that help them articulate their pain and their faith. For example: “What does the Atonement mean to you right now?” or “What do you think the Savior would want you to do in this moment?” This shifts the focus from the external problem back to the internal covenant relationship with Christ.

Remember, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Our mission field is the world, and our tools are empathy, scripture, and the willingness to learn. If you are wrestling with a difficult topic, don't wait for a formal class. Dive into the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook, or ask a friend to help you with a Book Club discussion.

Keep Learning and Continuing the Work

The work of building Zion is constant. It requires us to be humble enough to know that even after all our years of service, we still have so much to learn from the testimonies of others. If you are interested in diving deeper into the scriptures regarding covenant keeping and healing, I highly recommend exploring the insights provided by Iron Rod authors. They offer incredible perspectives on how to apply eternal principles to modern struggles.

If you feel called to share this message of hope and healing, please consider becoming a discipled missionary this week. And if you want to discuss these principles further, join our next virtual Disciple Challenge—it’s free, and it’s a wonderful way to deepen your knowledge of the Book of Mormon and the principles of the gospel.