And Now I See

 

In his October 2025 General Conference address, “And Now I See,” Jeffrey R. Holland teaches that spiritual clarity often comes gradually as we continue forward in faith.

He draws on the Savior’s healing of the blind man, where something as simple as clay made from dust and spittle became the means of a miracle. What may have seemed ordinary or even unexpected became, in the Lord’s hands, the path to sight.

Are we willing to persevere, to keep trying to live Christ’s gospel no matter how much spit and clay it takes?

In the same way, the Lord often works through simple, consistent acts of faith. As we move forward, even without full understanding, He can turn small steps into spiritual clarity.

Common Criticism: “If God is guiding my life, why don’t I have clearer answers right now?”

When answers feel delayed or unclear, it can be difficult to see how God is working. Some may assume that if divine help were real, it would come more directly or more dramatically.

Fallacy at Work: God Must Work in Obvious Ways

This belief assumes that God’s guidance must be immediate or unmistakable. It overlooks the pattern that He often works through simple means and gradual processes.

Elder Holland’s Correction: God Works Through Simple Means Over Time

Elder Holland teaches that the Savior does not always remove uncertainty instantly. Instead, He invites disciples to act in faith, even when the outcome is not yet visible.

Just as the blind man followed the Savior’s instruction before receiving his sight, we are often asked to move forward without seeing the end from the beginning.

Over time, what once seemed small or unclear becomes part of a greater miracle.

Solution:

God’s work in our lives is often quiet, simple, and progressive. As we act in faith, He can transform those small efforts into clarity and understanding.

Living Apologetics: Small Acts, Greater Sight

Elder Holland’s message reframes how we view both faith and miracles.

Rather than waiting for dramatic answers, disciples are invited to act on what they already know. Simple acts of faith, offered consistently, become the means through which God reveals more.

This might include:

• Praying even when answers feel distant
• Continuing to study and seek truth
• Choosing to trust God despite uncertainty

Like the clay placed upon the blind man’s eyes, these actions may seem small or even insufficient. Yet in the Savior’s hands, they become the means of greater understanding.

Over time, disciples often look back and recognize that clarity came step by step.

Practical Apologetic Use

• If someone says: “I need clearer answers before I can move forward.”

• You can respond: “Elder Holland teaches that God often works through simple acts of faith. As we act, even without full clarity, He helps us begin to see.”
  

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣ Take one simple step of faith today, even if it feels small, and trust the Lord to work through it.
2️⃣ Continue a spiritual habit, such as prayer or scripture study, even if clarity has not yet come.
3️⃣ Reflect on a time when understanding came gradually after you chose to act in faith.

Keep This Talk With You

Elder Holland reminds us that miracles do not always begin with dramatic moments. They often begin with simple acts of trust.

What may seem small or unclear at first can, over time, become evidence of God’s hand. Even what feels like “spit and clay” in the moment can become the means of greater sight.

As we continue forward in faith, even without seeing fully, we may one day look back and say with gratitude:

Now I see.

What simple act of faith might the Lord be asking me to take, trusting that greater clarity will come?

 

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.