When the Waters Rise: Finding Resilience in the Work

Sometimes, the challenges we face—whether in our personal lives, in our callings, or on the mission field—feel less like a difficult patch of water and more like a catastrophic, shattering wave. You feel the force of the struggle tearing at you, and suddenly, you’re submerged, struggling just to keep your head above the surface.

If you’ve ever felt that overwhelming sense of being caught in a current too strong to fight, you know what I mean. You feel the enemy—the enemy of the Spirit, the enemy of true discipleship—tearing through your efforts. It feels like the whole thing is shattering around you.

The Gospel of Perseverance

What the amazing thing about the gospel is that it doesn't promise that the waves will never crash. It promises that we will never be left alone in the deep. It teaches us that even when the boat seems completely lost, when the odds look impossible, our ability to endure, to cling to the principles of Christ, is what ultimately saves us.

The incredible story of a commander who survived a catastrophic shipwreck reminds us that survival isn't always about the biggest muscles or the best equipment. Sometimes, it's about resourcefulness, a small act of faith, and the unwavering knowledge that help *will* come.

When we apply this lesson to the mission field—to the work itself—it shifts our perspective. The mission field is not always a smooth, predictable voyage. There are days when the effort feels overwhelming, when the investigator seems resistant, or when the comps just aren't connecting. It can feel like the boat has shattered.

“But the Spirit, brethren, the Spirit is what carries us across the deep waters. It is the divine resourcefulness that helps us send that message, even when we feel depleted.”

Being a Disciple in the Deep Waters

The greatest lesson here, and one that applies to every single one of us—whether you’re a newly returned missionary still adjusting to the States, a lifelong disciple serving in a callings, or a member studying at home—is that we are always called to be Internet missionaries. We must be able to find the resourcefulness of the commander, using the tools and resources available to us, even when we are far from the center of the action.

This week, let's focus on developing spiritual stamina. When we feel exhausted, we need to remember that we are not operating on our own strength. We need to carve out time, even if it's just 15 minutes, to simply ponder what the Spirit is teaching us. This is where the power of the small things—the little coconuts carved with a message of hope—comes from.

Skill Focus: The Art of the Pivot

A key skill I've learned to focus on—and I encourage you to practice this—is the "art of the pivot." In the field, if an investigator asks a question that throws you off balance, don't panic. Don't try to answer it with a prepared script. Instead, pivot back to a core principle of the gospel. If they ask a challenging, secular question, acknowledge the validity of their concern, and then pivot back to the eternal nature of the Plan of Salvation. Remember, the goal is not just to answer, but to invite them to *think* with us.

Need help practicing those tough conversations? My co-pilot, Davee, is always ready to guide you through the hard questions an investigator might ask. It’s a fantastic, free way to prep for missionary discussions without the pressure!

Don't Drift: Join the Study

The Spirit works best when we are actively studying. I invite you to join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this week. We are diving into the book of Alma, focusing on the covenants and the power of repentance. It’s a powerful study that reminds us that the gospel is always available, no matter how deep the waters get.

And if you want more material for your personal study, I highly recommend picking up *The Faith-Filled Life* by Iron Rod. You can find it in LivingBook and it offers wonderful guidance on finding peace when the world feels chaotic. Keep studying, keep preparing, and remember that your discipleship is your life raft.