When the Questions Get Deep: Finding the Spirit in the Mystery

Sometimes, when we’re studying the scriptures or even just having a casual missionary discussion, a question pops up that feels huge. It’s the kind of question that makes you pause, maybe even makes you feel a little cornered, like you need a specialized button just to get the right answer. You look around, and you see the genuine curiosity in the eyes of your investigator, or maybe even a seasoned member who has been wrestling with a concept for years.

It reminds me of listening to the RELEVANT Podcast recently. The conversation flowed—from deep theological pondering to live music, and it was a beautiful tapestry of human experience. But what struck me wasn't the entertainment; it was the willingness of the speakers to engage with the *mystery* itself. They didn't claim to have all the answers, and that, my friends, is where the Spirit often whispers loudest.

The Mystery of Doubt: A Necessary Companion

Father Richard Rohr spoke beautifully about overcoming doubts. And if we’re honest, the path to discipleship is paved with questions. We talk about being Christlike, about following the path laid out by the restored gospel, but sometimes the world—or even our own internal wrestling—throws up questions that feel unanswerable. We might read about the plan of salvation, or maybe we’re studying passages in Isaiah, and suddenly, we hit a wall of 'How?'

It’s easy to think that being a disciple means having all the answers, especially when we’re preparing for missions or feeling the weight of the work. We think we need to be the expert, the one who can deploy the perfect, polished answer. But the Spirit rarely speaks in bullet points. It speaks in dialogue, in vulnerability, and in shared contemplation.

Being Christlike in Conversation

This is a powerful lesson for all of us, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or simply engaging in a Book Club over Zoom. Being Christlike isn't about having the perfect theological retort; it’s about embodying patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand the other person’s heart. It’s about meeting that deep, sometimes uncomfortable, question with grace.

If you’re feeling unprepared for a tough question, remember the power of the "I don't know, but let's find out together." That invitation to mutual seeking is a profound act of discipleship. It models what we are trying to teach: that the gospel itself is a journey of discovery, not a collection of facts to memorize.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: Embracing the Pause

So, here’s a small piece of missionary preparation I want to leave with you this week. When you feel the pressure to answer a difficult question—the one that makes you sweat a little—take a conscious pause. Don't rush to fill the silence. Instead, use that pause to redirect the focus back to the *source* of the comfort. You could say something like, "That is a huge question, and I want to be honest—it's one that requires deep study. What I *do* know, though, is that I have found immense comfort in the teachings of the Book of Mormon, and I'd love to look at that passage with you sometime."

This honors the question, shows humility, and pivots the conversation back to scripture study—which is always a win!

We are all disciples anywhere, all the time. Whether you are in the field, studying in HolyPlaces, or just hanging out with friends, remember that the greatest tool we have is not our knowledge, but our willingness to learn together.

If you’re looking for ways to deepen your personal study, I highly recommend checking out the latest insights on the Iron Rod. It’s a great refresher on how to keep the gospel front and center in our daily lives.

If you’d like to practice fielding tough questions in a safe space, I encourage you to utilize Davee’s AI Investigator role. He’s ready to walk you through some challenging hypotheticals!

For those who are ready to gather Israel and dive deep into scripture together, don't forget about our next virtual Bible Study Group. Details are posted in the community feed!