When the Work Slows Down: Finding Strength in Christ's Gospel

Do you remember those times when the Spirit seemed to whisper, but the whispers were faint? When the investigator you've been nurturing seems to hit a wall, or when the usual rhythm of the mission just... slows down?

If you've been in the field, you know that the work isn't a steady, predictable climb. Sometimes, the effort feels like pushing against a headwind. It can feel like a “quitters month” for the soul—a season where the excitement of the initial discussions gives way to the grueling, quiet work of building lasting discipleship.

As returned missionaries, we often think that success means constant momentum. We think that if we just *push* harder, the answers will come. But the beautiful truth, which I was reminded of recently, is that the power doesn't come from our grit; it comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ himself. Our strength comes from remembering who He is and what He accomplished.

Rooting Ourselves in the Gospel, Not the Effort

The challenge isn't just to teach *doctrine*; it’s to teach *discipleship*. It’s about guiding someone to a place where they can find Christ's grace, not just a set of rules. This is the heart of Preach My Gospel.

The source material I found this week was a powerful reflection on how the Savior is the center of all our teaching. It beautifully reminds us that no matter what intellectual framework or cultural trend we are discussing, the anchor must always be Jesus Christ and the power of His Atonement. When we feel overwhelmed by the complexities of missionary preparation, we need to go back to the basics: the Savior, the scriptures, and the willingness to be transformed by His grace.

I encourage you to listen to the full episode, where Dave Butler and Stephan Tager discuss Elder I. Raymond Eggbo’s talk. It’s a thoughtful reminder that the best way to teach is to teach the central gospel message, trusting that the Spirit will guide the process.

The Gift of Being Guided

A huge theme that resonated with me was the incredible power of mentorship. We all have people in our lives—district leaders, returned missionaries, amazing companions, and even trusted friends—who place themselves in our path to help guide us. These people don't just tell us what to do; they model what it means to be a disciple.

If you are feeling isolated in your calling—whether you are in the MTC, in the field, or simply doing your daily discipleship work at home—remember that you are never meant to walk this path alone. We are a community of disciples. We are meant to lift each other up, share our struggles, and celebrate the small victories.

A Small Challenge for the Week

To help keep the momentum going, I encourage you to try a different approach to scripture study this week. Instead of just reading the assigned scriptures, try using the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Highlight a verse that speaks to your personal struggle or need for grace, and then use the related panel or the scripture_insight community feed to see how others have found strength in that exact verse. Seeing the shared human experience of faith is incredibly encouraging.

If you are looking for recommended reading to help ground your understanding of the Atonement, I highly recommend checking out The Iron Rod collection for a book on Christ's divinity. It’s a perfect refresher for when the doctrines feel abstract.

Join the Conversation

We are gathering together this week for a virtual Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s a low-key, Spirit-filled space designed for us to discuss how we can all be more Christlike in our daily lives. Whether you are heading out to your first mission discussion or you are a seasoned returned missionary, your presence is needed. Come strengthen the bonds of our brotherhood!