Dear Sisters and Elders –
As full-time missionaries, we
frequently confront challenges and obstacles as we strive to invite and help
others come to Christ. It can be difficult to find people to teach. Sometimes
those we teach don’t keep their commitments. At other times, members seem
preoccupied and disinterested in missionary work. When these things happen, we
are tempted to allow ourselves to be discouraged.
It is very important that we do
not give in to discouragement. As explained in Preach My Gospel:
“Discouragement will weaken your faith. If you lower your expectations, your
effectiveness will decrease, your desire will weaken, and you will have greater
difficulty following the Spirit” (10).
A couple of weeks ago, we had a
discussion with all of the senior missionaries serving in our mission. I asked
them: “How do you avoid becoming discouraged?” I thought their answers were
very insightful. Please find their suggestions below:
“Remember that negative
thoughts come from Satan. When you have a negative thought, ask yourself:
‘Would Heavenly Father say that to me?’ Replace a negative thought with a
positive, faith-filled one.”
“Get busy. Do not sit
around. Accomplish something. Getting things done will always make you feel
better.”
“Study the scriptures.
Gain God’s perspective for your situation.”
"Remember that other
people are depending on you.”
“Serve someone else. Do
something kind.”
“Find strength from
other missionaries.”
“Remember the many
blessings you have received from God. Pray to recall your blessings. Write a
list of recent blessings in your journal.”
Discouragement is the enemy of
faith and limits our ability to experience miracles. I invite each of us to
apply these excellent recommendations from our senior missionaries in order to
avoid discouragement. I promise that as we do, the Lord will bless us with
great joy and increased effectiveness in our work as full-time missionaries.
Love,
President Pingree
