When the Path Gets Steep: Finding Strength in the 'Growth Pains' of the Work

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve been in the field—whether it’s the intensity of MTC, the quiet moments of a home teaching, or even the deep study sessions here in the temple—you know that the work isn't always smooth sailing. Sometimes, it feels like you’re standing alone with your scriptures, while the world seems to be moving at a pace you can’t quite match.

It’s easy, when you’re deep in the covenant path, to forget that the journey itself is part of the preparation. We read about the prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah—and they walked paths of profound isolation, of struggle, and of unimaginable weight. It makes us ask: *What if the calling I feel isn't going to be easy? What if it requires me to endure the 'shame' or the 'wilderness' of my own life?*

Recently, I was reflecting on this, and it struck me how often we treat spiritual growth like a linear progression—a straight shot from A to Z. But the Spirit, my friends, rarely teaches us in a straight line. Sometimes, the Spirit requires us to walk through what feels like 'growth pains.' The difficult questions, the setbacks in our missionary discussions, the times we feel spiritually dry—these aren't signs that we are failing; they are the very places where the Savior invites us to become more like Him.

The message I took away from studying this was powerful: **Our struggles are often the crucibles where our testimonies are forged.** We are not called to a life where everything is simple; we are called to a life where we learn to rely on the Savior when everything *is* hard.

The Power of 'Yes, Lord' Over 'No, Lord'

One passage really resonated with me, especially when thinking about our own divine assignments. Jeremiah’s story—how he wrestled with his calling, how he wanted to quit—is a powerful reminder. When the Lord calls, the natural inclination, when we feel overwhelmed by the weight of the work, is to say, "No." But the gospel teaches us that when He calls, the response must be a resounding, committed, "Yes, Lord."

“If God has called you to something, you cannot simply decline it.”

This isn't just about saying the words; it's about the covenant commitment that underlies them. It’s about understanding that the Lord’s plan for us—the plan to help us gather Israel, to build Zion—is bigger than our comfort zone, bigger than our current emotional capacity. We must be prepared to press through the wilderness, just like the prophets before us.

Being an Internet Missionary in the Struggle

This applies directly to us, the modern-day disciples. We are called to be Internet missionaries, to be disciples anywhere, all the time. And sometimes, being a disciple *is* hard. It means having the spiritual fortitude to keep studying, keep serving, and keep sharing the gospel even when the immediate results aren't visible. It means continuing to study the scriptures, whether it’s through a Book Club in HolyPlaces or just wrestling with the social scripture study feed in LivingBook.

If you are feeling discouraged right now, feeling like you’re in a spiritual desert, please remember the counsel found in 1 Peter 5:9—to withstand by a steadfast faith. Don't let the difficulty cause you to give up. Keep pressing forward, knowing that the Lord sees the effort, even when we don't feel it.

A Small Skill to Carry With You

As a practical piece of missionary preparation, I want to share this: When you feel the weight of a difficult conversation coming up, don't try to *solve* the investigator’s objection immediately. Instead, pause, and ask, "What does this question reveal about their current struggle?" Sometimes, the best answer isn't theological; it's empathetic. It's meeting their pain point with kindness first. That’s where the Spirit speaks through us.

If you want to dig deeper into this concept of enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel, I highly recommend diving into the writings of an Iron Rod author. Check out the recommended reading section in LivingBook—there are some incredible insights on perseverance waiting for you.

For those of us who are ready to talk through these deep concepts, I invite you to join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge this week! It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to connect with other committed disciples. If you’re new to this, don't worry; just show up. We'll be there to lift you up.