Lord, I would Follow Thee

October 5, 2015

This week Sister Bell and I were singing our daily hymn (yes, I know, you don't believe that I actually do this) before Companionship Study. And we sung, "Lord, I Would Follow Thee."  As I read it, my mind was enlightened with the application of the verses and the stages of missionary life.

Lord, I Would Follow Thee

Savior may I learn to love thee, Walk the path that thou hast shown: Pre-mission. You finally recognize your love for Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. You realize your divine purpose and the path that is planned for you. A MISSION!

Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love thee- Lord, I would follow thee: You get to the MTC and you are just so excited to help others and even more excited to get out in the field to help real people. You learn that you can really find strength from above. You are following Him by submitting to the Father's will and accepting the marvelous plan He has in store for you no matter what challenges come your way.

Who I am I to judge another When I walk imperfectly?: You get out into the mission field and see real people, with real problems. Some caused by own mistakes and some just mortal tribulations. You realize that everything you see on TV actually happens in real life.

In the quiet heart is hidden Sorrow that the eye can't see. Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee: You get homesick, people aren't happy to see you, your faith is being tested, you question your desire to serve and you literally hurt inside. You have investigators drop you, people say "not interested" before you even have a chance to tell them what they "aren't interested" in and you have a companion you are with 24/7... You deal with heartache. You are following Him by enduring well, not giving in and not giving up.

I would be my brother's keeper; I would learn the healer's art: You strengthen your testimony and do your best to share it with everyone! You study more, pray harder, fast intentionally, and humble yourself. You recognize the power and authority you have, the way your talents apply into the mission field, and how the Gospel really does bless individuals and families.

To the wounded and the weary I would show a gentle heart. I would be my brother's keeper- Lord, I would follow thee: You are no longer ON a mission, you are now SERVING a mission. You finally GET IT! You are able to follow the promptings of the spirit and fully rely on the Holy Ghost to tell you where to go, who to see, and what to say. You teach and testify with power. You are constantly magnifying your calling and you are seeing the miracles all around you. You are following Him by turning outward and lifting where you stand.

Savior, may I love my brother As I know thou lovest me:  You love the people that you serve with- companions, fellow missionaries, members, and nonmembers. You appreciate your leaders and you abide by the counsel and guidance given by them. You learn how to listen, take advice and criticism well, and you truly desire to improve.

Find in thee my strength, my beacon, For thy servant I would be. Savior, may I love my brother- Lord, I would follow thee: Your mission is devoted selfless service but it doesn't just stop there. Your life is devoted selfless service. You recognize that all you have had, all you currently have, and all you ever will have is because of Heavenly Father. The atonement is our strength. And we are now servants. Instruments used for good in the world. We are following in the Lord's footsteps. Making mistakes, yes, but learning from them, repenting, and changing. You are following Him by giving all time, efforts, and abilities to the Father allowing him to work through you to bless others.

Love, Sister Rachel Rodda