When the Shakings Come: Keeping Our Focus on the Eternal Work

Brothers and sisters, sometimes the world feels like it’s shaking itself apart. The headlines scream of division, economic tremors, and global uncertainty. It’s easy, when the noise gets this loud, to feel adrift, to wonder what the pattern is, or where we are even supposed to be looking.

If you’ve been studying the scriptures, or perhaps listening to talks about the times, you’ve heard talk of "shakings"—periods of intense upheaval. It can feel overwhelming, like the very foundation of our day-to-day lives is shifting beneath our feet. It makes you wonder: Are these signs? Are we nearing the end? What does it all mean for us, the Saints, who are called to be disciples in every corner of the earth?

Recently, I was pondering this while reviewing some insights from Jonathan Cahn’s latest work, and it brought me back to something fundamental: no matter how chaotic the temporal world becomes, the eternal work of the gospel remains constant. Our focus, our anchor, must always be on returning to Christ and participating in the saving ordinances.

The Pattern and the Eternal Focus

What’s so reassuring to remember, even when the world seems to defy patterns, is that the Lord has given us patterns—patterns of revelation, patterns of discipleship, and patterns of eternal progression. When we look at the natural cycles of the Church, or even the historical accounts of the gathering, we see a consistent thread: times of trial are followed by greater revelation and greater need for the gospel.

It’s easy to get caught up in interpreting every single geopolitical event as a direct, immediate sign of judgment. While understanding the scriptures regarding times of tribulation is important for missionary preparation, we must guard against letting that understanding paralyze us. Instead, it should galvanize us. It should make us *more* determined to be the light in the darkness.

This is where the power of being an rogue disciple comes in. It means that whether you are in the MTC, in a full-time mission, or navigating the complexities of life at home, you are equipped to be an internet missionary. The work doesn't stop because the news cycle gets exhausting. The Spirit prompts us to keep sharing the restored gospel.

A Bite-Sized Skill for the Field: Asking the "Why"

As we prepare for any field—whether that field is a living room, a Zoom call, or a dusty corner of the temple—I always encourage you to practice asking the "Why?" when you are studying. Don't just memorize the doctrine; ask *why* the Savior taught it, *why* the covenant was made, and *why* it matters to the investigator sitting across from you. This moves you from reciting facts to sharing eternal truths.

Speaking of preparation, if you’re looking to deepen your doctrinal understanding, I highly recommend diving into the LivingBook. If you’re wrestling with difficult questions about the Plan of Salvation, don't hesitate to bring your questions to Davee. He’s been trained to act as an AI Investigator, walking you through those tough questions an investigator might ask, and helping you craft answers rooted in the Spirit and the scriptures.

Our Anchor in the Spirit

Ultimately, the greatest warning—the one that echoes through every age, through every shaking—is the call to come back to God. We must keep our hearts humble, remember the covenants we have made, and press forward with faith. Let us use the anxieties of the world not as reasons for fear, but as fuel to deepen our commitment to be Christlike.

If you feel the Spirit prompting you to deepen your study, consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this week. Let’s gather together, support one another, and keep the light shining, no matter what the headlines scream.

Stay diligent, my friends. The Lord is working, and He is working through us.