During a particularly challenging time on my mission, I compiled a list of comforting scriptures and kept it on my desk where I would see it every day. These encouraging verses reminded me of the Savior’s grace and helped me feel divine strength and hope.
Sharing an uplifting scripture verse is an excellent way to encourage a missionary when they’re struggling. The scriptures contain divine power because “[ultimately], the virtue of the word of God is the Lord Jesus Christ,” as Elder Mark D. Eddy reminded us in the October 2022 general conference.
Here are three scriptures to help bolster a missionary during a difficult transfer or season.
Resilience and Sacrifice
“ … when he falls he shall rise again, for his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord” (Doctrine and Covenants 117:13).
This verse is a beautiful reminder that the Lord cares more about the intents of our hearts than any external outcomes. Preach My Gospel similarly reminds missionaries that their true success is “determined primarily by [their] desire and commitment to find, teach, baptize, and confirm converts and to help them become faithful disciples of Christ and members of His Church” (emphasis added).
Of this scripture, which refers to a man named Oliver Granger, President Boyd K. Packer said: “The Lord did not expect Oliver to be perfect, perhaps not even to succeed. … [He] did not say of Oliver, ‘[If] he falls,’ but ‘When he falls he shall rise again’ (emphasis added).”
Missions involve many sacrifices, and each missionary faces unique challenges based on their areas, companions, and personal circumstances. But no matter the situation, the Lord encourages His missionaries to rely on Him. He will help them “rise again” when they fall.
Divine Help
“Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
“But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
“Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.
“Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jeremiah 1:6–9).
This scripture is a powerful reassurance that even when we feel young or inadequate to teach powerfully, the Lord can bless us with strength and abilities beyond our own. As President Thomas S. Monson often taught, “whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.”
The Lord can give His missionaries courage and direction, guiding them by the Spirit to know whom to speak with and what to say. Rather than focusing on their limitations, missionaries can look to the Lord and place their faith in Him.
The Joy of Christ
“And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith” (Alma 31:38).
Missionaries can receive special strength, direction, and joy from the Lord, even during afflictions or trials. This verse shows that Alma was able to focus on Christ’s joy and serve as a powerful missionary “because he prayed in faith.”
“For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!” President Russell M. Nelson has taught. “That is why our missionaries leave their homes to preach His gospel. Their goal is not to increase the number of Church members. Rather, our missionaries teach and baptize to bring joy to the people of the world!”
And as our missionaries act in faith to bring this joy to others, they will experience it more deeply for themselves, too.
Check out the articles below for more ideas about how to support a missionary:
▶ Does your missionary struggle to feel successful? This idea in Steve Young’s new book will help
▶ What to say to help your missionary through a hard time
▶ 15 ways to support your missionary besides sending a package
