Where Does True Stimulation Come From? A Lesson for the Field.

Sometimes, you hear chatter—from the news, from friends, even from the things that seem to be passing through the cultural ether—about what we 'need' to stimulate us. Stimulus packages. Things that promise a jolt, a fix, a way to get us moving again.

It can sound compelling, right? Like a cup of coffee so dark it wakes up the very soul. We see these promises everywhere, whether it’s in politics, in fleeting trends, or in the constant noise of the digital world. It’s easy to get caught up in waiting for *something* external to fix the ache, the lull, the feeling that we aren't quite "turned on" enough.

But as I was reflecting on some recent talks, a pattern kept emerging that struck me deep. The reliance on external stimulation is always temporary. The coffee wears off. The government program ends. The novelty fades.

The Source of True Energy

What *does* sustain us? What has the power to truly revitalize the missionary spirit, the disciple's commitment, the desire to keep the covenants?

The answer, always, points back to the source: the Creator. The Lord. He who fashioned the earth not to be empty, but to be inhabited. He is the ultimate stimulus package.

When we talk about the work, about being an internet missionary, it’s easy to get bogged down in the mechanics—the perfect talk track, the flawless social media post, the ideal setting. But the foundation of all that effort must be spiritual. We are not running a secular venture; we are participating in the eternal work of salvation.

Think about it: the scriptures are filled with declarations of divine power that cannot be revoked. Paul speaking to the Philippians, declaring that the righteousness and strength that will endure are those found "in the Lord alone." That is the eternal fuel. That is the source that never runs dry.

This principle applies whether you are in the MTC, preparing for your first assignment, or if you are a seasoned returned missionary now serving as a disciple in your own community. The calling doesn't stop when the mission ends; it just changes venue. You become a disciple anywhere, all the time.

A Bite-Sized Skill: Shifting Focus

If you feel yourself getting caught up in the 'what's next' anxiety—the next assignment, the next challenge, the next thing to consume—I want to challenge you to practice this simple shift in your missionary preparation. When you feel the pull toward external solutions, pause. Instead, ask yourself: "What covenant promise am I remembering right now?"

This isn't about ignoring the world; it's about remembering where your true citizenship lies. It’s about replacing the search for temporary stimulation with the steady, quiet assurance of divine promises.

If you want to deepen this understanding, I highly recommend diving into the Iron Rod. The insights on divine covenants are profoundly grounding. If you haven't already, take some time with the material available in LivingBook.

We are a community of rogue disciples, meaning we are dedicated to the work no matter where we are planted. Let's keep building up each other's spiritual strength!

If you're ready to discuss these eternal principles further, join us this week for our free weekly Disciple Challenge. It's a great place to share insights and keep the momentum going!