Lord Showed Unto Me Great Things
“Lord Showed Unto Me Great Things”
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
February 9th, 2026
One of my favorite accounts in the Book of Mormon is the story of Nephi being commanded by the Lord to build a ship to carry his family across the ocean from the land Bountiful to the promised land:
“And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that I may carry thy people across these waters. And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me? And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to find ore, that I might make tools. (1 Nephi 17:8-10)
Like often happens with commandments given to us by the Lord, Nephi faces challenges completing the assignment given to him. Rather than rely on his own knowledge and capabilities, Nephi correctly and continuously seeks the Lord’s guidance through prayer. In response to his prayers, the Lord guides Nephi in completing his divine appointment:
“…we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship. Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; … And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things”. (1 Nephi 18:1-3)
Do you see what happened as Nephi works to fulfill the commandment from the Lord? At some point, the Lord expands Nephi’s vision from the everyday work of finding ore, wood, and tools – to a divine design for the ship that can transport his family to the promised land. After completing the inspired construction of the ship, Nephi writes:
“And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine…” (1 Nephi 18:4)
Like Nephi, the Lord extends divine appointments to each of us. Your call as a missionary is one of these divine appointments. Missionary work can be challenging and at times overwhelming. You might question your ability to accomplish what the Lord has asked you to do. If you are not careful, your focus can turn to the day-to-day minor details of missionary work instead of the divine focus stated in your purpose:
“Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.” (PMG page 1)
My prayer is that you will engage the Lord in every aspect of your mission. Like we learn from this account of Nephi’s, your mission can be a divinely designed “ship” for accomplishing the righteous ends the Lord has for you now and in the future. Seek the Lord’s direction through prayer. I promise you can accomplish much more through His inspired direction than you can on your own.
The Lord has called you to this work – and to CASRM. I know He will provide you the vision and guidance required to achieve His eternal ends – for you and for those you have been called to serve. Engaging the Lord in the details of your life is an important lesson to learn as a missionary – and to apply throughout your life.
Please ponder this question: What more can I do to receive the Lord’s guidance in my missionary service?
Sister Quinn and I pray daily for you, your friends, and your families. I have seen the Lord’s hands and blessings in your and my service in CASRM. It is a great blessing to serve with each of you.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
