In a world marked by uncertainty, conflict, and shifting values, the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith echo with even greater urgency:
“No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, … but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
These words, declared nearly two centuries ago, are more than history. They are prophecy. They are a reminder that, no matter the storms we see in the headlines—political upheaval, wars and rumors of wars, rising contention, and the decline of moral foundations—the work of God cannot be silenced, slowed, or undone. His truth will roll forward until every nation, kindred, tongue, and people has heard the message of His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Restoration of Truth
The Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith marked the beginning of this prophesied work. In a grove of trees in upstate New York, the heavens opened once again, and light pierced centuries of confusion. From that moment forward, God’s work on the earth entered its final dispensation—“the dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Through the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of priesthood authority, and the organization of Christ’s true church, the Lord reestablished His covenant path. This is the truth Joseph spoke of—the truth that will “go forth boldly, nobly, and independent” until it fills the earth.
The Gathering of Israel
We live in the very days foreseen by ancient and modern prophets. Missionary work is the lifeblood of the Church, the great engine that carries the gospel to every land and language. The Lord Himself declared:
“The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 65:2).
President Russell M. Nelson has reminded us repeatedly that “the gathering of Israel is the most important thing taking place on earth today.” This gathering is happening now, on both sides of the veil. Missionaries in white shirts and dresses knock on doors, technology carries messages of truth across continents, and covenant disciples quietly share their testimonies with friends, neighbors, and children. Every effort, large or small, contributes to this divine purpose.
Prophetic Voices for Our Time
Modern prophets and apostles continue to reaffirm Joseph Smith’s prophecy. President Gordon B. Hinckley once declared: “It is the destiny of the work of the Lord to go forward. Opposition may come, but it will not stop it.”
President Nelson has added his witness, urging us to strengthen our spiritual foundations:
“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
These voices remind us that we cannot be passive observers. The kingdom of God is not a spectator sport. It requires our daily devotion, our willingness to testify, and our commitment to covenant living.
Our Role in the Work
This is not the time to shrink back. It is the time to stand, to live what we believe, and to share light in a darkening world. Each of us has a role in the unfolding of this prophecy. Whether it’s teaching our children the scriptures, serving in our communities, testifying of Christ on social media, or quietly living a life of discipleship that speaks louder than words—these efforts matter. They are part of the great wave of truth that will reach “every continent … every clime … every ear.”
The call to “stand as witnesses of God at all times” (Mosiah 18:9) has never been more relevant. Each of us, no matter our circumstances, has a role to play in this great latter-day work.
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Parents teaching their children to love the scriptures are raising the next generation of disciples.
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Young men and young women preparing for missions are answering the prophetic call to declare truth boldly.
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Adults magnifying their callings, reaching out to neighbors, or quietly living with integrity are moving the work forward in powerful ways.
No effort is wasted. Each testimony shared, each act of service offered, each covenant kept contributes to the unstoppable tide of God’s work.
Hope in Christ
The Savior Himself declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). To dedicate ourselves to Him is to root our lives in truth that cannot be shaken. We may not control the world’s chaos, but we can control our devotion. We can choose scripture study over distraction, prayer over fear, service over selfishness, and testimony over silence.
Though persecutions may rage and darkness may rise, the promise of Joseph’s words gives us courage: the truth will go forth, boldly and nobly. The purposes of God will be accomplished. The victory has already been won in Christ; we are simply invited to take part in His work.
So let us rise each day with renewed commitment—not just to survive the times we live in, but to shine in them. Let us be voices of faith, examples of charity, and witnesses of Jesus Christ. For when the Great Jehovah declares that “the work is done,” may we be found among those who carried it forward with courage, conviction, and joy.