The prophet Isaiah foresaw that the Lord would “proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder.” Today, we know he was speaking of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. President Ezra Taft Benson said of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “This is the spiritual kingdom of God moving forward in its divine course to fill the earth, a truly marvelous work and a wonder!”
The work moves forward and we have a chance to be a part of it! But what does that look like in our daily lives? Here are a few ways you can participate more fully in God’s marvelous work and wonder.
Gain Spiritual Momentum
In the April 2022 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson invited disciples of Christ to focus on gaining more spiritual momentum.
“We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities. Spiritual momentum can help us withstand the relentless, wicked attacks of the adversary and thwart his efforts to erode our personal spiritual foundation.”
When we strive for greater spiritual momentum, we prove ourselves more fully to the Lord. When we are committed and loyal to our covenants, He can use us for more powerful purposes. Consider President Nelson’s five ways to gain spiritual momentum and make goals to live the gospel more fully in your life.
Fulfill Assignments & Lift Where You Stand
If you want a more consecrated heart but don’t know where to begin, focus on fulfilling any assignments you’ve already been given. This includes calling and ministering assignments. How can you magnify your service in those areas? The Lord wants a people He can trust and rely on. If we are unwilling to complete these simple tasks, we may not have the spiritual preparation to receive further trust from the Lord.
The Lord works with us in our weaknesses. He understands our struggles and the difficulties that come as we strive to do good. If we focus on lifting where we stand, as Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf once described, we will be filled with more power and confidence. Elder Ucthdorf taught:
“You may feel that there are others who are more capable or more experienced who could fulfill your callings and assignments better than you can, but the Lord gave you your responsibilities for a reason. There may be people and hearts only you can reach and touch. Perhaps no one else could do it in quite the same way. None of us can or should move the Lord’s work alone. But if we all stand close together in the place the Lord has appointed and lift where we stand, nothing can keep this divine work from moving upward and forward.”
Speak More of Christ
In the Book of Mormon, the Nephites were committed to making Christ a part of their everyday discourse. 2 Nephi 25:26 reads:
And we of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our may know to what source they may look for a of their sins.
Christ is in our hearts, but do we include Him in the way we share our lives with others? Look for natural ways to talk about Christ with others. Mention church activities you attend in conversations about your weekend, offer to pray for someone in need, and bear your testimony more frequently with your family members. As we talk and rejoice in Christ, the world will be more prepared for His coming.
Make It Wonderful For You
We all experience periods of spiritual apathy or struggle. It’s important that we strive to find joy in the gospel and maintain a sense of awe for what the Lord has done. Look for ways every day you can notice God’s hand in your life. Keep a gratitude journal. Thank God daily for the blessings you have. Set appropriate boundaries so you don’t run faster than you have strength. Focus on righteous acts that strengthen your relationship with Christ rather than completing checklists. Discover what makes the gospel wonderful for you personally.
These are just a few ideas on how to participate in God’s marvelous work. What would you add to this list?
