“After Much Tribulation … Cometh the Blessing”

Camille Coons Wheatley (American, 1984)
Redirected (2019)
Photograph on paper/archival pigment print, 11" x 14"
Used with permission of the artist

Camille Wheatley’s photography often casts a new light and fresh perspective on every day things. In her photograph Redirected, she captures a fleeting beam of sunlight cutting across a wall and floor, appearing to bend as it meets new surfaces. From this view, the light seemingly changes direction abruptly.

Zion’s Camp (Doctrine and Covenants 103–105) can be seen in a similar way. At first, the Saints expected a straight path: march to Missouri and reclaim Zion. But when the Lord commanded them to disband, it seemed like His promises had shifted. In reality, His work was not broken but redirected. Zion was still being built, not through land and cities, but through the refining of His people. Like this band of light, God’s purposes are constant – even when they seem take a new direction from our perspective.

Gospel Questions

1. Jesus tells us as His disciples not to be afraid in giving everything that we are to His service (D&C 103:27-28). Have you ever been afraid to give your all in His service in some capacity? How were you able to overcome this fear and how did you see your service bless you and others?

2. Jesus explains that we are accountable for our stewardship of earthly blessings, ultimately recognizing that "all things therein are mine" (D&C 104:11-15). How might you be a more responsible steward over your "earthly blessings" as Jesus' belongings? (See D&C 104:17-18.)

3. Jesus asks that we "be very faithful, and prayerful, and humble before me," and with others "talk not of judgments, neither boast of faith nor of mighty works" (D&C 105:23-24). How might these instructions impact the way you share your testimony, describe your spiritual experiences to others, or tell your side of the story?

*Immediate Present*

A “cultural slice” of what current artists are making as Latter-day Saints.

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For Children & Youth

Hi. This photographer, Camille, likes exploring every day things with her iPhone camera. This photo shows a line of sunlight on the ground that looks like it’s bending. Even though light is always even, it can look different when it shines on new surfaces.

Zion’s Camp is a story like that—at first, it seemed like the Lord asked the Saints to go one way, and then He changed it. But He hadn’t really changed His mind. He was teaching and preparing them in a way they didn’t expect. Sometimes God’s plans for us don’t look the way we imagine, but they still bring us closer to Him.

1. Jesus says "For the earth is full, and there is enough to spare" (D&C 104:17). Knowing that God made the earth with enough for everyone, how can you help in sharing what you have?

2. When we keep the commandments, God blesses us with "a multiplicity of blessings" (D&C 104:42). This is God's math, which miraculously blesses us beyond what we give. How have you felt God bless you when you with a multiplicity have made a right choice?

3. Jesus asks us to do all that we can to spread peace "to all people" (D&C 103: 38-40; "sue for peace ... lift up an ensign of peace ... make a proclamation of peace ... make proposals of peace"). What can you do to spread more peace in your home, at school, with your friends, in your church group, in the world?

Art Project

Art Project: An "ensign" is a flag. Jesus asks us to "lift up an ensign of peace" (D&C 105:39). Make a peace flag of your own design, maybe out of paper or fabric, and put it in a place where you can spread the message of peace.