Finding Faith in the Everyday: Lessons from 'Come Follow Me' and the Restoration

The Restoration began with an answer to a question—a simple, heartfelt inquiry that opened the heavens and changed the world. This week’s “Come Follow Me” study invites us to reflect on how we can approach the Lord with our questions and allow His answers to guide us forward in faith.

My New Year’s Goal: Rising Up with Purpose

This year, I’ve decided to focus on strengthening my relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. My plan? Attend the temple weekly, study the scriptures and conference talks daily, and dive into the “Come Follow Me” curriculum. Why? Because I need all the help I can get to:

Strengthen my testimony and deepen my conversion.
Submit my will to His.
Be more like Jesus Christ.
Strengthen my family.
Live the life God has envisioned for me.

“Rise Up, O Men of God”

President Nelson’s talk, “Ministering with the Power and Authority of God,” includes a call to action inspired by the hymn “Rise Up, O Men of God.” While directed to priesthood holders, its principles resonate deeply with me.

The phrase “Have done with lesser things” initially made me think of how my husband, Kelcey, and I always needed to budget carefully. We've gone without the “finer things” most of our married life—like dream vacations, an envy-inducing home, and designer clothes. This phrase felt like a nod of "I see you" from the Spirit. But, I also felt it was eluding to something much more meaningful. I turned to ChatGPT (yes, I asked for help) to understand what the phrase likely meant. It’s about prioritizing what truly matters—devotion to God, service, and eternal principles—over fleeting concerns.

How often am I concerned over "fleeting" things? Definitely more than I care to admit. Although Kelcey and I have had to budget carefully, I still want what I want. This is difficult to reconcile, especially when comparison rears its ugly head. I want to let go of lesser things, but "wanting" isn't enough. What actions am I taking or willing to take to focus on the Savior and allow His Atonement to work on my heart?

And what about “End the night of wrong”? For me, it means choosing a higher, holier way—giving up sins and distractions to honestly know the Savior. It’s stepping into discipleship with energy and purpose, giving my time, talents, and all I’ve been blessed with to consecrate my life to His will.

Oof! That's a tall order! I'm a work in progress, but what progress have I actually made? It gets extremely difficult to see things clearly when the what-lack-I-yets block my view.

Ministering Like the Savior

President Nelson also invites us to minister as Jesus did:

“To all brethren holding the priesthood, I invite you to inspire members to keep their covenants, fast and pray, study the scriptures, worship in the temple, and serve with faith as men and women of God… We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving-kindness.” (Read the talk here.)

Here’s how I feel the Lord is inviting me to apply this counsel:

Inspire others by teaching righteous principles.
Invite others to keep their covenants and share why it matters.
Study the scriptures to receive revelation and guidance.
Worship in the temple weekly.
Serve in my callings with faith.
Minister to individuals with love and patience.

Navigating Hard Relationships

Ministering “to the one” feels especially challenging when relationships get messy. I’ve struggled with this. One sister I was assigned to visit became so negative and resistant to spiritual things that I eventually stopped trying. She drained my spirit, and I’m still unsure how to navigate that relationship.

In these moments, I’m reminded of Joseph Smith’s experience in the Sacred Grove. When confusion overwhelmed him, he sought wisdom from God. I’m at the same place—seeking clarity and guidance to approach these situations with Christlike love.

Gaining Wisdom: A Lifelong Quest

Asking—sincerely and humbly—is the key to receiving wisdom. Like Solomon, who prayed for an understanding heart (1 Kings 3:12), we can approach God with our questions and trust Him to guide us. Elder James J. Hamula outlined principles for gaining wisdom:

Ask through meaningful prayer. Are we ready to act on the revelation we receive? Humility and intent matter.
Sustain effort and exercise patience. Wisdom comes over time as we seek, sacrifice, and practice hearing Him.
Foster personal reverence. The Spirit speaks with perfect mildness, so we must create a quiet, sacred space in our hearts to “Hear Him” (D&C 88:69, 121).

When It Feels Overwhelming

Some days, all of this feels like too much. I sit in sacrament meeting and hear testimonies, but instead of being uplifted, I feel annoyed and overwhelmed by my imperfections. Am I even capable of becoming more like Christ? Is the Atonement working for me?

In these moments of doubt, I have to choose to trust Him. Like cold plunging (which I’ve heard is “great for you” but haven’t mastered), discipleship requires consistency and effort. The blessings will come if I just keep trying. That doesn't, however, mean the discomfort of trying goes away. We shall have no witness until AFTER the trial of our faith—meaning, we actually have to climb into that freezing water, breathe deeply, and make it a consistent practice to reap the benefits/blessings.

So, here’s my goal: to rise up, leave behind lesser things, and seek wisdom and strength through the Savior. The Restoration goes forward, and so can I—imperfectly, but with faith.