Throughout time, prophets have looked forward to our day. Isaiah prophesied that God would “proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder.” Jesus Christ, when visiting the people of ancient America, affirmed in testimony that the Book of Mormon would come forth and Israel gathered. He said in 3 Nephi 21:9, “For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them.”
Great. A wonder. Marvelous.
It doesn’t always feel that way, does it? With so much going on in the world and in our personal lives, it is easy to be distracted or even overwhelmed. Life isn’t always going to be easy. We will face everything from the mundane drudgery of routine tasks to truly heartbreaking losses. However, some of the greatest joys we can experience are found in participating in the great and marvelous work of God. How can we engage our hearts in this work more fully? Here are a few ideas.
Make and Keep Sacred Covenants
Alongside His teachings about His Father’s great work, Christ also taught the Nephites that they were truly children of the covenant. Separated from those in the Holy Land, this is an important reminder that our desire to make and keep sacred covenants brings us fully into the fold of God.
Study and learn about covenants. Especially focus on how the sacrament can be a more meaningful part of your spiritual worship each Sunday. By proactively thinking about what your covenants mean to you, you will find greater power and connection to Christ.
Elder Jeffrey Holland taught about covenants when he said, “So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late so long as the Master of the vineyard says there is time. Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you right now, this very moment, that you should accept the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting late.”
Study Your Patriarchal Blessing
The work of God is grand and vast. It encompasses all of humanity. Yet, we all have a very individual and specific role to play. We should discover in our own lives what God would have us do to move his work along. One of the best ways we can do this is by consistently studying our patriarchal blessing.
As you read, ponder on what promises that have yet to be fulfilled. Are you working towards those things? What talents and spiritual gifts do you have that you can further develop? As we continually peel back the layers of our patriarchal blessing, we will receive inspiration on what God has called us to do with our lives and the time we have.
Embrace Ministering
Ministering is a higher and holier way to serve others around us. No matter your limitations, seek to minister to those assigned to you. Prayerfully consider what you can do to overcome your fears or weaknesses to be brave and bold in your service. Ask God to show you how He feels about His children. He will consecrate even the smallest efforts you make.
Elder Hans T. Boom said, “We are invited by a loving Heavenly Father to walk the path of discipleship and to return to Him. What is the way? The way is to help each other understand who we are by ministering to each other.”
Learn the Divine Attributes of Christ
Jesus Christ is our exemplar in all things. His divine attributes can change our very nature. As we become more like Him, we will naturally begin to do the things He would have us do. Study the life of Christ and pay attention to His character. Study Chapter 6 in Preach My Gospel, which focuses on developing Christlike Attributes. There is a great activity at the end of the chapter that can help you know where to start.
As we turn our hearts to Jesus Christ, we will find more joy in God’s great and marvelous work. What inspires you to work alongside God and keep going?
