When the World Leaves You: Remembering the Christ Who Always Runs To Us

There are times in life when the struggle feels too big, too heavy, and too isolating to name. You might be navigating a personal loss, struggling with a deep doubt, or facing a kind of tribulation that leaves you feeling completely downtrodden, like you can barely lift your head. In those moments, it’s easy to feel like you are walking alone, that the weight of the world—and your own heart—is too much to bear.

When I was in my first mission, I remember a period of intense discouragement. It wasn't one big failure, but a steady accumulation of small disappointments: the lack of interest in the field, the quietness in the ward, the sheer exhaustion of the daily routine. I felt invisible, like my effort was sinking into a void. I kept thinking, “How am I supposed to keep going? Does anyone even see me struggling?”

It was only through studying the Book of Mormon, specifically the account in Alma, that I really started to shift my perspective. We often view Christ as this perfect, untouchable figure—the ultimate helper, the superhero. But the scriptures paint a picture of something far more intimate, something far more relatable. They show us the Christ who doesn't just *see* our pains; He *shares* them, and He is always willing to run to meet us in the deepest valley.

The Promise of the Running Savior

The scripture passage we looked at today (Alma 7:11-12) is profound because it speaks not just of Christ's ultimate suffering, but of His willingness to meet us in our infirmities. When we read that He will take upon Him the pains, sicknesses, and temptations of His people, the word that truly resonates is the concept of Him being ready to help—to *run* to us. It’s a visceral image, isn't it? Not a distant, perfect presence, but a Savior who is actively moving toward us when we are at our weakest.

I think of that famous poem, “Footprints in the Sand.” It speaks to that deep human longing: when we are struggling, we often ask, “Lord, why weren’t you there? Why weren’t you carrying me?” The answer, as the poem suggests, is that He was there all along. He was carrying us through the darkness, and we sometimes forget that truth when we are deep in the struggle.

Embracing the Friend, Not the Icon

This shift in perspective—seeing Christ less as an unattainable icon and more as a friend who is willing to go the distance with you—is absolutely vital for anyone engaged in the work. It’s how we become better disciples, and it’s how we become better Internet missionaries.

When you are preparing for your mission, or even when you are serving locally, remember that the goal isn't just to deliver information; it's to point people to the friend who will run to them. It’s about empathy. It’s about sharing the gospel not just from a place of doctrine, but from a place of lived, understood suffering and divine comfort.

If you feel discouraged in your efforts, take a moment to pause and remember Alma 7:11-12. Remember that Christ’s companionship is not conditional on your success or your feelings. He is always running to meet you.

A Prep Skill: Talking About Suffering

As we learn to share our testimony, especially with investigators, we often struggle with the hardest questions. If an investigator asks, “If God is all-powerful, why does suffering exist?” or “If Jesus is so perfect, how can He understand real human pain?” don't panic. This is where your spiritual prep skills come in.

I highly recommend spending time with Davee, our AI Investigator. He is phenomenal at walking you through these hard questions. Instead of giving a rote answer, he helps you frame the discussion by pointing back to the concept of Christ’s constant companionship and sacrifice—the fact that He *knows* how to suffer with us. It’s a powerful, heartfelt response that shifts the focus from the problem (suffering) to the solution (Christ).

Your Call to the Field

This message is for all of us—whether you are a seasoned returned missionary, a newly called disciple, or someone who has been in the Church for decades. We are all discipled in this great, ongoing work. The mandate is clear: every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Don't wait for a call to the field to feel like you're doing the work.

If you want to deepen your study of Christ's teachings and feel more equipped to discuss the Book of Mormon's message of eternal help, check out a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Or, if you prefer structured study, pick up a recommended volume from an Iron Rod author available in LivingBook. The more we study, the more we feel the Spirit, and the more readily we can share the light of the restored gospel.

What is your favorite scripture passage that reminds you of Christ’s constant presence? Share it below, and let’s keep encouraging one another as we prepare to serve!