Elder Linder

In yesterday’s post about beginning this new year and calling, I touched on the story of the Brother of Jared and his illuminated stones. Today, I’d like to explore this powerful metaphor more deeply, as it perfectly illustrates how the Lord can magnify our smallest efforts into something remarkable.

In the Book of Mormon, we find a remarkable story of how ordinary things became extraordinary tools in the Lord’s hands. The Brother of Jared, faced with the daunting task of crossing the great ocean, brought a seemingly simple solution to the Lord: sixteen small stones. These weren’t jewels or prized minerals—simply stones that were “white and clear, even as transparent glass” (Ether 3:1).

What strikes me most about this story isn’t just the miracle of the stones lighting up, but the lesson about how God works with our humble offerings. The Brother of Jared, knowing that fire wouldn’t work in their enclosed vessels and unsure what would, stepped forward in faith. Rather than waiting for a perfect solution, he gathered what he could – sixteen small stones – and brought this humble offering to the Lord, trusting Him to make up the difference.

This pattern of small things leading to great purposes appears throughout scripture. Moses had a simple rod (Exodus 4:2-5). David had five smooth stones (1 Samuel 17:40). The widow had a small cruise of oil (1 Kings 17:12-16). In each case, God took these simple items and transformed them into instruments of His power.

Today, we might ask ourselves: what are our own “small stones”? Like the Brother of Jared, we each have simple offerings we can bring to the Lord:

• A thoughtful message to someone struggling
• An encouraging word to a neighbor
• A shared testimony with a friend
• A simple act of service
• A sincere prayer for someone in need

These simple acts might seem inadequate for the challenges they’re meant to address. We might think, “How can my simple message make a difference in someone’s life?” But when touched by the finger of the Lord, our small efforts can light the way for others across their own mighty oceans.

I’ve witnessed this principle in action. Over the past few months, our family committed to being more intentional about prayer with our children, particularly at mealtimes, in the morning, and before bed. Through these small, consistent efforts, something beautiful has blossomed – especially with our four-year-old daughter. She’s developed a genuine excitement for prayer, eagerly volunteering to talk to Heavenly Father and expressing her love for the Savior in her own pure, childlike way. Like those clear stones, our simple acts of faith can become beacons of light for others, and in this case, have illuminated our daughter’s path toward a personal relationship with God.

As you go about your day, remember the Brother of Jared’s stones. Don’t discount the small things you can do to bring light to others. In the Lord’s hands, the simplest acts of faith can illuminate paths and guide voyages across life’s deepest waters.

I testify that God can magnify our humble offerings. He doesn’t require grand gestures—only willing hearts and simple faith. What small stone of light will you offer today?