When the Path Isn't Clear: Finding Direction in the Unknown

We’ve all stood there, haven’t we? At the edge of the known, peering into a fog of possibilities, feeling the weight of decisions pressing down. It’s a feeling Samuel the Lamanite must have known, clinging to that wall, a lone voice crying in the wilderness, unsure if anyone would heed his warning. Ammon at the Waters of Sebus faced a similar test – a moment of profound uncertainty, yet he pressed forward with unwavering faith. And so it is with us, Builders, striving to build Zion in these latter days.

Mary F. Davis, in her BYU devotional address, speaks directly to this experience, sharing her personal journey navigating life’s uncertainties. It’s a message of profound encouragement for those of us who feel lost, adrift, or overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices before us. She reminds us that even when we don't see the path, God’s guidance is available if we but seek it.

Davis shares a beautiful example from her own life, a moment when she considered pursuing further education alongside her husband. That simple “Why not?” sparked an incredible journey, one she couldn’t have foreseen. But it wasn't without its trials. She wrestled with feelings of guilt, wondering if prioritizing her own growth was selfish when her family needed her. That tension – that feeling of being pulled in two directions – is a familiar one, isn't it? A modern-day version of the brother of Jared, desperately seeking light in the darkness.

Remember the brother of Jared? Faced with an impossible task, he turned to God. And God’s response? “What wilt thou that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?” It wasn't a simple answer, but a challenge to ingenuity, to faith, to relentless seeking. Davis's experience mirrored this – she expected a gentle nudge *away* from her studies, but instead received the clear directive: “Don’t give up.”

This echoes the words of Abinadi, standing before a king, knowing the consequences of his testimony. It's the same courage that drove the stripling warriors, facing insurmountable odds with unwavering faith. We are called to be digital striplings, facing the challenges of the modern world with the same unwavering devotion.

Davis highlights a crucial point: the importance of seeking counsel—from family, friends, leaders—and, above all, from God. It's in that combined effort, that fervent prayer, that clarity often emerges. She also emphasizes the vital lesson of avoiding comparisons. Each of us walks a unique path, and what blossoms for one may not flourish for another. Our focus must remain on our own journey, our own covenant commitments.

And what about those stones the brother of Jared was instructed to melt from rock? A seemingly impossible task, yet through faith and ingenuity, a miracle was wrought. That’s a powerful image for our time – transforming the obstacles in our path into stepping stones, into opportunities for growth and revelation.

This is the essence of the Builder’s mindset. It’s not about avoiding challenges, but about facing them with faith, relying on God’s guidance, and transforming the difficult into the divine. Your engagement here, your willingness to share and build, fuels the GatherIsrael.now map, expanding our understanding of the global church landscape and providing resources for gospel advertising, particularly in places like Ghana – a true charity flywheel in action. Support the Missionary Fund, and become an Internet Missionary, a digital stripling in this great endeavor. Consider claiming your church on the map – let’s build a visual representation of the global gathering.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, that God's timing is not our timing. We may not see the path clearly, but we are never truly alone. Like Ammon, we must trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it. Even when the stones seem insurmountable.

Davee can help you delve deeper into these scriptures and principles. Ask him: “What lessons can we learn from the brother of Jared’s experience?” (Ether 12:23-27)