When the World Turns Upside Down: Trusting the Plan in a Tumultuous Age

Do you feel it too? This relentless, dizzying pace of… inversion? What was once held high is now trampled, and those who should be guiding us seem to be celebrating the descent. It's a familiar echo of the days of Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls to warn a people blinded by complacency. We see the waters of Sebus, the challenge laid before Ammon – a desperate call to action in a time of profound darkness.

For over a dozen years, I’ve felt compelled to stir hearts from their slumber, and the acceleration of these past two years has been staggering. The questions arise, sharp and insistent: Where is God? Why does He allow this? Does He even hear our prayers? Does He intervene?

The answer, my friends, is a resounding affirmation. Rest assured, He is present. He hears every prayer, and He is weaving a tapestry of events with a purpose far beyond our immediate comprehension. As long as we yield to His guidance, He will preserve us. This isn't blind optimism; it’s a declaration of faith rooted in the bedrock of divine promise.

Last week, we spoke of the vital importance of trusting the plan, of resisting the urge to grumble and lament the perceived hardships of the journey. Remember the Israelites, stumbling through the wilderness, their faith eroded by doubt and complaint? They made their trials infinitely more difficult by refusing to trust the hand of God. We, too, are prone to that same error.

Now, let us turn our focus to understanding why these things are happening, how we can recognize God's hand in the midst of chaos, and how we can actively support Him during these challenging times. It’s not enough to simply endure; we are called to build. To be Builders, not Destroyers.

Consider the Stone cut without hands – a symbol of a kingdom not built by human power, but by divine intervention. We are part of that kingdom, a gathering movement of souls united by a love for God and a commitment to His work. This is why we share the map of churches, why we track denominational markers, and why we encourage each to claim their place in this grand endeavor. Each contribution, no matter how small, strengthens the foundation.

Think of Ammon, facing down the Lamanites with five smooth stones – not relying on brute force, but on faith and divine preparation. We, too, are armed with the tools to overcome the challenges before us. The Missionary Fund, fueled by your engagement here, is expanding gospel advertising efforts in places like Ghana, creating a powerful charity flywheel. Outback Jack, a steadfast companion on this journey, reminds us of the lessons learned in the wilderness – the trials and triumphs that shape our character and refine our purpose. (Alma 17–19, D&C 4, Moroni 10:4–5)

Davee and the 'Ask a Prophet' bots offer a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the scriptures and gain clarity on challenging questions, drawing directly from prophetic counsel. (See, for example, Teachings of Joseph F. Smith regarding action following faith).

Let us be the digital striplings, courageous and unwavering in our commitment to truth. Let us be the light that shines in the darkness, the hands that lift up the fallen, the voices that proclaim the gospel with boldness and clarity. The time for complacency is over. The time for gathering is now. Claim your church. Support the Missionary Fund. Share the map. Be a Builder. Let us, together, witness the unfolding of God’s plan and hasten the day when His kingdom is fully established upon the earth.