In The Arena With Christ

Hola friends!! 

I just want to say how grateful I am for a mission. If you are considering going on one, please DO NOT HESITATE! it's the best experience ever. I promise that any worries or fears you have will be made right if it's what God needs you to do. 

This week our mission has had a focus of "being in the arena with Christ". I felt that big time!! Our friend was going to be baptized and then she decided it wasn't for her (lots of reasons for this- she has a lot going on right now). I was devastated haha. we did all we could for her!! I felt how much God loves her and wants this for her. i was pretty beat down because of it but then had many tender mercies from the Lord. I read this scripture the next day: 

"And ^bblessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the ^cnatural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have ^djoy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard." (Jacob 5:75- Book of Mormon) 

It struck my heart!! this work truly does bring the greatest joy. I know that no matter what we're going through, whether it be watching those we love struggle to make the right decision, mental health struggles, changes in life, watching the world go a little crazy, it has all been covered by Christ. I know He knows. He has overcome the world!! And He can help us to find joy in the crazy and hard of life. We all (not just missionaries) get to be in the arena with Christ. We as His disciples are doing His work!

Here's another scripture I love- 

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have ^apeace. In the ^bworld ye shall have ^ctribulation: but be of good ^dcheer; I have ^eovercome the world.- john 16:33

Love you all!!!

Sis ross