The Attitude of a Protagonist of Prophecy

I used to admire the young adults who, in accordance with biblical prophecy, devoted themselves to the gospel on the world stage. When I finally reached that stage of life and was given the opportunity to join them, my heart swelled with excitement.

A protagonist of prophecy! Could any title be more blessed? A protagonist, by nature, shines in the spotlight. I was certain that if I gave my utmost, I too could shine like a star on the stage of prophecy, led by God’s hand.

Yet as time passed, I often found myself weighed down by doubt. Compared with such a title, I felt inadequate—someone who had never traveled abroad and who lacked fluency in foreign languages. I began to shrink in the shadow of my own shortcomings. But in that moment of hesitation, a verse Heavenly Mother once read to the young adults came to mind and lifted me to my feet:

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. . . . Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Jos 1:7–9

Why does God so often command us to be strong and courageous? Because when we focus only on our inadequacies, we are bound to shrink before the grandeur of prophecy. We must never forget that the power to fulfill that prophecy comes not from us, but from God Almighty.

The qualifications God seeks in a protagonist of prophecy are not eloquence or global experience. What He desires is unwavering faith that the prophecy will surely be fulfilled, and the courage to take each step forward with eyes fixed on Him. This is the true posture of the dew-like youth whom Heavenly Father and Mother are calling. With the faith They’ve planted in me, I will press forward boldly, and with joy take my place as a true protagonist on the stage of prophecy.