When the Storm Hits: Finding Our Cornerstone in the Work

There are days, aren't there? Days when the calling feels immense, when the sheer scope of the work—the gathering of Israel, the need to share the gospel—feels like a relentless, churning ocean. You’ve been out in the field, or maybe you’re wrestling through a tough lesson in a Book Club, and the waves of doubt or discouragement just seem to keep coming.

It can feel like the sheer weight of expectation rests on your shoulders. You look around at your fellow disciples, at the commitment etched on every face, and you wonder, “How do we keep going? How do we keep trusting when the waters are this high?”

I was in a period of intense missionary preparation recently. The pressure to be 'ready'—to be polished, articulate, and spiritually robust—felt immense. I remember feeling like I was standing on shifting sand. I was trying to build my confidence on my own efforts, on my own merits, on the best sermon I could deliver. It was exhausting.

But then, I kept coming back to this song, “Cornerstone.” It’s a powerful reminder that our foundation isn't built on our eloquence, our perfect testimonies, or even the perfect success rate of our teaching. It’s built on something eternal, something that doesn't shift when the tempests blow.

When we sing, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,” it’s not just a nice sentiment; it’s a doctrinal declaration. It’s acknowledging that the power to overcome the storm—the storm of doubt, the storm of opposition, the storm of fatigue—comes only from Him. He is our anchor.

Finding Our Anchor in the Daily Grind

As returned missionaries, we learn that the *spirit* of the gospel is more important than the *performance* of the gospel. We learn that the strength to continue comes from remembering who we are relying on. Our anchor isn't our assigned companion, or even our district leader, though we are grateful for their guidance. Our anchor is Christ.

If you are currently in the thick of missionary discussions, or perhaps you are a lifelong disciple feeling the pull to deepen your study, I want to encourage you to meditate on this truth. When you feel weak, remember that He makes you strong. When the world seems dark, remember that He is the Lord of all.

This principle applies everywhere—whether you are studying for your temple recommend interview, leading a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces, or simply trying to be a better friend to someone who is struggling to understand the Plan of Salvation. We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. And that requires an anchor that holds.

A Little Disciple Challenge

For this week, as you prepare for your next interaction—whether it's a casual talk with a neighbor or a formal lesson—I invite you to pause before you speak. Take a deep breath, and silently repeat this truth to yourself: “My hope is built on Jesus Christ.” Let that thought settle in your heart, knowing that His righteousness is what sustains you.

If you want to dive deeper into the scriptures and really wrestle with these foundational concepts, I highly recommend checking out some of the teachings on faith and covenants in the Iron Rod library. It’s a wonderful resource for strengthening that core belief.

And remember, we are a community. If you’re feeling adrift, please know that the Brethren and sisters here are ready to lift you up. If you want to talk through some of the deeper theological questions that come up when we study, don't forget about Davee. He's ready to walk you through those hard questions as your AI Investigator.

Let's keep building our lives, our testimonies, and our efforts on the one, solid Cornerstone. Come build with us!