We often hope for big spiritual experiences, but our faith in God is usually strengthened through small and simple moments.
There are countless stories of epic faith-building experiences and miracles. If we compare our spiritual experiences to these grand ones, we can sometimes feel discouraged when our own faith grows quietly and slowly instead of all at once. In his April 2024 general conference talk “Pillars and Rays,” Elder Alexander Dushku teaches that God often strengthens testimonies through small spiritual moments that gradually become a strong foundation of faith.
Photo by Essahak Shyam
Elder Dushku compares powerful spiritual experiences to “pillars” of light and smaller moments of inspiration to “rays.” While some people experience dramatic spiritual confirmations, most of Christ’s disciples grow closer to Him through consistent, simple experiences with the Spirit. Simple “rays” that can strengthen our faith include daily scripture study, prayer, or service.
Remembering that small spiritual experiences matter keeps us from feeling like our testimonies don’t measure up. It can sometimes seem like everyone else has had extraordinary spiritual experiences, but it is important not to invalidate small spiritual experiences. Elder Dushku reminds readers that a testimony does not need to begin with a dramatic miracle to be real or meaningful and that more often, “The Lord will send us a ray of light, and then another, and then another” instead of “sending us a pillar of light.”
Recognizing small spiritual impressions can also help people notice God’s hand in everyday life. Feelings of peace during prayer, comfort during difficult times, or simple reminders of God’s love are evidence that he is near. Rather than waiting for one life-changing moment, we can strengthen our testimonies by paying attention to the quiet ways God communicates with us.
Today we face constant pressure, comparison, and uncertainty about our lives and the future. Elder Dushku’s message offers reassurance that faith can grow gradually and steadily. Instead of doubting whether their testimonies are “strong enough,” seekers of truth can trust that God is guiding them through small spiritual experiences that eventually become a lasting foundation.
Take time this week to reflect on all of the small ways God has shown himself. Writing down spiritual impressions, answers to prayers, or moments of peace can help us recognize that our testimonies are growing, even when we may not always feel it. God may not always give us the “pillars of light” we hope for, but we can be reassured that he’ll always send us little “rays of light” to get us through life’s trials and challenges.
Learn more about faith and spiritual growth in Elder Alexander Dushku’s April 2024 general conference talk, “Pillars and Rays.”
Source: ChurchofJesusChrist.org
—Madilyn Cable, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY MAHMOUD YAHYAOUI
Find more insights
Read Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Lord, I Believe” about holding onto faith in Jesus Christ even during doubt and uncertainty.
Discover Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge’s BYU devotional “Stand Forever” about focusing on foundational gospel truths and building a lasting testimony.