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“The God of all undeserved kindness [...] will establish you, he will make you strong, he will set you on a firm foundation” (1 Pet. 5:10).
1. Why do we need to endure, but what help do we have? (1 Peter 5:10)
We need to endure because we live in difficult times and face challenges such as illness, loss, and opposition from family members or even governments. These situations can weaken us emotionally, physically, and spiritually, so it takes resilience to remain faithful.
But we have Jehovah's help. According to 1 Peter 5:10, he himself strengthens us, sustains us, and gives us what we need to remain steadfast. We can be sure that he doesn't leave us to face trials alone, but rather supports us in enduring them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In these difficult times, we may be suffering from a chronic illness; others are grieving the loss of loved ones or facing opposition from family or even governments. But, as 1 Peter 5:10 mentions, “He himself will complete your training. He will strengthen us and make us strong.”
Jesus made this clear in Matthew 10:37, when he said, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” So, this teaches us how complicated it was going to be in these times.
Even if problems shake us or perhaps leave us unstable, we can be absolutely certain that Jehovah will put us on a solid foundation, just as 1 Peter 5:10 says. In this article, we'll look at the aids Jehovah will give us, or the "lifelines" that will help us endure these trials.
2. How do we Christians endure?
As Christians, we endure not through our own strength, but through Jehovah. He gives us “power beyond what is normal” to endure trials, temptations, and difficulties without losing hope. In addition, Jehovah has provided four ways for us to strengthen ourselves and persevere, and when we make the most of them, we can stand firm.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We endure not through our own strength, but through Jehovah, who, as 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, gives us power beyond what is normal.
The word "endure" doesn't just refer to enduring difficulties, as we sometimes think. It refers to being able to persevere without losing the hope we have.
In this article, we'll learn about four ways Jehovah helps us endure, but the point isn't just to learn about them. As the paragraph ends, we need to see how we can make the most of each one.
THE PRAYER
3. Why do we say that being able to communicate with Jehovah is a true miracle?
We can say that communicating with Jehovah is a true miracle because, despite being sinners, he allows us to approach him anytime, anywhere. We can talk to him about any matter, in any language, and regardless of our circumstances, even if we are isolated or in prison.
Furthermore, Jehovah understands what we feel even if we don't know how to express it well, for he understands our deepest thoughts and emotions. All of this makes prayer a true miracle and an extraordinary help in endurance.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah is the Universal Sovereign, yet he has made it possible for us to approach him. Hebrews 4:16 expresses this well when it invites us to approach Jehovah's throne with confidence, something that would be physically impossible for us, but which, thanks to prayer, we can do.
Prayer is a privilege Jehovah has given us, because we can talk to him about anything, regardless of the time, place, or language. And even if, for example, we are isolated, we can be sure that he hears us; he not only hears our prayers, but also understands and helps us.
Romans 8:26 shows us that “sometimes we do not know what we need to pray for, but the Spirit himself prays for us.” Sometimes we don't know how to express what we are experiencing, and if we were to tell someone, they might not understand if we didn't explain it well. But, as the text says, we can be confident that Jehovah, seeing beyond what we can express, understands us.
Regarding Romans 8:26, 27, the book Insight explains that when we don't know how to express a concern to Jehovah, the spirit pleads for us. Many prayers recorded in the Bible are now accepted by Jehovah as if we had made them ourselves. In a sense, that spirit is pleading before Jehovah, and thus, he answers our prayers.
We have the example of Jonah in Jonah 2:1-2. Jehovah heard his prayer from the belly of a fish, demonstrating that no walls or prison—as in the case of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25-26—can prevent Jehovah from hearing and acting on our behalf.
More than a privilege, we should view prayer as an extraordinary gift that helps us continue to endure day after day.
4. Why is it right to ask Jehovah for help in enduring?
It's okay to ask Jehovah for help in enduring because he assures us in his Word that we can ask him for anything that agrees with his will, and he hears us. Enduring trials is part of his will, because when we do, Jehovah responds to Satan's challenge.
Furthermore, the Bible says that Jehovah desires “to show his strength on behalf of those who serve him with a whole heart.” Scriptures like Isaiah 30:18, 41:10, and Luke 11:13 confirm that Jehovah is willing and able to help us endure. Therefore, asking him for help in enduring is not only right, but something He desires to do.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In his Word, Jehovah assures us that we can ask him for anything that is in accordance with his will, and he hears us.
We can ask Jehovah for this help because His own Word, the Bible, indicates so. When we endure trials, Jehovah can respond to Satan's challenge. Proverbs 27:11 says: "He makes my heart glad, that I may answer him who mocks me." So asking for this help is in accordance with His will.
It's invaluable to read the words found in 2 Chronicles 16:9. Knowing that "the eyes of the Lord are watching throughout the earth, to show himself strong to those who serve him with a whole heart" confirms that he always has the same desire: to use his power to help those who love him.
The way Jehovah is willing to help us endure is well illustrated in Isaiah 30:18, especially in the first sentence, which says that “Jehovah waits patiently to show them favor.” This expression tells us that Jehovah is quietly waiting, however long it takes, to help us.
It's right to ask Jehovah for help, because he wants to give it to us. This help doesn't come only when the time seems right, nor only when someone asks for it insistently. Jehovah shows an active attitude: he waits calmly and is willing to wait whatever is necessary to be there when we need him.
Isaiah 41:10 tells us not to be afraid, for Jehovah is with us in all our troubles and in all our distresses. It also mentions that he holds us in his righteous right hand and that he will truly sustain us. Throughout our lives, we have experienced certain circumstances and have seen how Jehovah has always been there to encourage and help us. What lies ahead will not be easy either, but we know we can count on him for whatever we need.
5. How does prayer help us achieve peace of mind? (Isaiah 26:3)
Prayer helps us achieve peace of mind because when we talk to Jehovah about our worries, he gives us “peace beyond human understanding.” Unlike those who seek peace through human methods, such as emptying their minds, we turn to God with confidence, and he protects our thoughts and feelings.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah gives us “steadfast peace” because he answers our prayers by comforting us, strengthening our faith, and helping us remember scriptures that assure us that he loves us and wants to help us. Thus, through prayer, we can have peace of mind even in the midst of difficulties.
Because prayer protects our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, as Philippians 4:7 indicates.
We see many people trying different methods to try to forget their problems. Some practice meditation, and while this may help momentarily, the Bible teaches us to trust in Jehovah, who truly gives us “steadfast peace.”
Perhaps people in the world seek solutions and find momentary peace, but when another problem arises, anxiety returns. Not us. Jehovah, through prayer, gives us that "steadfast peace." He protects our minds and hearts, and we know that even the most difficult things, like death, Jehovah will solve.
As Jehovah's servants, even though we may feel the constant peace he gives us, we should not think that this means we will not have problems or anxiety, nor that we will be protected from everything. Rather, it means that he will help us face every difficulty, answer our prayers, and give us strength, wisdom, and comfort. Therefore, we can rest assured and remain calm, knowing that Jehovah will be with us in the most difficult times.
Most of the time, it's at the very moment we're praying that we feel that peace. The problem or anguish may not disappear completely, but the Holy Spirit acts as if lifting a weight from our shoulders. Our nerves calm down, and we feel a peace that soothes our heart and somewhat relieves the hurt we're suffering.
The key is to trust Jehovah completely, because when we face a serious problem, it would be difficult to find peace in such a situation. But Philippians 4:7 says that “the peace of God, which is beyond what any human being can understand, will guard your hearts.” Even if we don't understand how peace is possible in such difficult circumstances, Jehovah can make it a reality.
Prayer gives us peace of mind because it connects us with God and helps us trust him more each day, strengthening our faith.
Through prayer, Jehovah can give us his Holy Spirit to help us remember scriptures that show us how much he loves us and desires to help us. Psalm 62:1-2 mentions that when we are anxious, we should wait on Jehovah, for our salvation comes from him. He is our sure refuge, and even if we are tossed about, we will never be completely overthrown. This gives us great peace of mind.
6. How can we get the most out of prayer? (See also the image.)
We can make the most of prayer when, in the midst of a difficult situation, we tell Jehovah how we feel and "cast our burdens upon him." We should also ask him for peace and wisdom to act correctly.
Furthermore, we should not only pray to Him for help in enduring, but also thank Him for His support and the blessings He gives us. Paying attention to how He helps us during trials and showing gratitude allows us to make the most of this gift.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It is a comfort and a great liberation to know that if we cast our burden upon Jehovah, He will sustain us and never allow the righteous to stumble. Psalm 55:22 puts it well: “Cast your burden upon Jehovah, and He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to stumble.”
We know that Jehovah helps us in many situations and in many ways, but one important thing we must do is never forget to thank him, because he has cared for us, listened to us, and given us what we need.
The paragraph also encourages us to be alert, to notice how Jehovah helps us during trials, and to thank him for his support.
In the image, you can see an older brother. He may be sick, since you can see his medicine, and he must be enduring it day after day. But he has an open Bible, and it's clear that one of his habits is to pray every day.
When we are deeply distressed, we need to cast our burdens upon Jehovah. But not only that: we also need to ask Jehovah to give us wisdom to face the situations that are overwhelming us. And, above all, we need Jehovah to give us the peace of mind that only he can provide. When we find no way out or there is no solution to our problems, the only thing we can do is turn to Jehovah and trust that he will give us that calm and peace.
We not only need to pray to Jehovah, but also to listen when he speaks to us, and he does this through his Word, the Bible. So, when we pray, he may also answer us when we read the Bible.
ILLUSTRATION
An older brother sits in his home praying during the winter. He has an open Bible on his lap and a bottle of medicine on a table next to him.
When we pray, we speak to Jehovah; when we read the Bible, Jehovah speaks to us. (See paragraph 6.)
THE BIBLE
7. How does Bible study help us endure?
Studying the Bible helps us endure because it reminds us that Jehovah knows our needs and supports us even before we ask. Reading scriptures like Matthew 6:8 strengthens our confidence that he cares for us. Furthermore, the Bible is full of beautiful and comforting promises that give us strength to endure difficulties, as Psalm 94:19 points out.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
In it we find many passages that confirm that we have Jehovah's support.
It helps us because it's not only full of good advice for endurance, but also full of promises he makes to us. As Psalm 94:19 shows, we have Jehovah's support and comfort, not only now but also in the future.
As Jesus Christ said in Matthew 6:8, “The Lord knows what we need, even before we ask him.” Jesus said this because he knew his Father very well and knew it was so.
Psalm 94:19 says, “Anxieties overwhelmed me.” The note highlights that troubling thoughts were multiplying within. Who doesn't go over and over in their minds over ideas or problems that may arise? But the psalmist gives us the solution: we rely on Jehovah, and he comforts and reassures us through the Bible. His words are like medicine, and that is what helps us endure.
The more we study the Bible, the more we see how Jehovah has acted in ancient times and how he has saved many servants of the past from numerous problems, or how he has sustained them. So, the more we learn about Jehovah, when we face many problems, there is no reason to doubt that he knows what we need and will help us.
8. a) Give an example of a biblical principle that helps us endure.
An example of a biblical principle that helps us endure is the one Jesus taught in Matthew 6:34, where he encourages us not to worry about the future, but to focus on facing the problems of each day. This principle helps us avoid anxiety about what will happen next and remain calm in the face of the difficulties we face every day.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Matthew 6:34 tells us not to worry about the next day, for each day has its own worries. This principle helps us not to worry excessively about the future.
Luke 16:10 says that the person who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much. Keeping these words in mind helps us endure and defend the truth in seemingly trivial situations, but also when we face more serious problems and trials, such as opposition or illness.
Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first “the Kingdom and the righteousness of God.” This gives us the certainty that, in any decision we make in our lives, even when we go through difficult times, if our decisions are always made to praise Jehovah and do what is right, we won't have to worry about tomorrow, but only about the decision we make today, and we know that Jehovah will bless us.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” This text helps us, if we don't know what to do in a situation, to trust in the Lord, leave everything in his hands, and that way, we will surely not make a mistake.
A biblical principle that helps us endure is James 1:12, which says: “Blessed is the person who endures under trial, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life that Jehovah has promised to those who continue loving him.”
8. b) What will help us remember Bible principles when we need them?
To remember biblical principles when we need them, it's essential to regularly read and meditate on the Bible. By doing so consistently, we'll be more likely to remember those principles when we're going through a specific situation and thus be able to apply them accurately.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Sometimes we read a principle and say, "This principle can help me, or I can apply it," but then it just sticks there, and we never read or think about it again, and we'll probably forget it. Or we even say, "I'm going to write this down because this will help me a lot," but if we put that list in a drawer and never look at it again, it won't help us much. Therefore, reading the Bible and meditating on it will help us keep those principles fresh in our minds when we need them.
We have a great help in our Bible app: Personal Study. There we can add notes to texts that may have caught our attention and keep them handy so we can refer back to them when we need to reflect on them.
It should be a habit to read the Bible constantly, because training your mind to analyze principles is a process that takes time. It's like going to the gym: the day you lift a weight for the first time, it's very difficult, but when you do it consistently, you can eventually lift heavier and heavier, and it becomes easier. Meditating on biblical principles is the same.
9. What effect does meditating on biblical stories have on us?
Meditating on Bible stories has a powerful effect on us. Reflecting on the real experiences of ordinary people who trusted Jehovah and received his support strengthens our confidence that Jehovah will also be “our refuge and strength in times of trouble.”
It also encourages us to imitate the example of faith and endurance of faithful servants of the past. It also reminds us that Jehovah helped ordinary people, giving us confidence that we too can receive his support.
In short, meditating on Bible stories strengthens our faith, increases our trust in Jehovah, and motivates us to continue enduring with patience.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Meditating on biblical stories, such as that of Elijah, who, despite being a courageous prophet, is described in James 5:17 as a man with the same feelings as us, comforts us, as we can see our situation reflected in these stories. When we meditate and delve into biblical examples, we will be moved to follow their example and, furthermore, we will have complete confidence that Jehovah understands us and, therefore, will give us the necessary comfort and endurance.
James 5:10-11 tells us about another story and tells us to consider Job's endurance and how Jehovah sustained him to the very end. James tells them, "Now you know that Jehovah is very loving and merciful." That is, if we follow James's recommendation and meditate on these examples, we will realize that Jehovah is loving and merciful, and that he can do the same for us.
10. How can we get the most out of the Bible?
We can get the most out of the Bible by reading it every day and meditating on its teachings. It's also helpful to make a list of verses that are especially helpful in difficult situations. Reading the daily text can be a boost of encouragement for our day, as many brothers and sisters experience.
For a sister named Marie, reading and meditating on the text of “Let Us Examine” helped her focus on the wonderful promises and teachings of God’s Word, and not just on the difficult situation she was experiencing.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can get the most out of the Bible by getting into the habit of reading it every day—and not just reading it, but also recognizing the importance of making a list to help us remember those key texts that can benefit us every day.
The experience of a sister named Marie is mentioned. She faced the challenge of both her parents being diagnosed with cancer at the same time, and she had to care for both of them during their final months of life. This must have been extremely difficult for her, but she says that one of the things that helped her most was reading the daily text, examining it, and meditating on it daily. This allowed her to focus on Jehovah and his wonderful hopes, instead of constantly thinking about what had happened to her.
Similar to Sister Marie, who faced a very difficult challenge, we too have tools like the JW Library and a wealth of information that can encourage us daily if we examine it as she did.
Psalm 61:2 touches our hearts, for it says that when we are desperate and our hearts are heavy, we should cry out for help, that is, ask Jehovah for guidance. It reminds us that Jehovah is a rock higher than ourselves.
OUR BROTHERS
11. Why does it encourage us to know that our brothers endure their trials?
We are encouraged to know that our brothers and sisters endure their trials because seeing them face similar difficulties and manage to persevere reassures us that we too can endure our own trials, no matter how difficult they may be, with Jehovah's help.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It comforts us to know that, in the entire brotherhood, there is at least one brother going through the same circumstances as us and enduring. As 1 Peter 5:9 says, this keeps us firm in the faith because it gives strength to both of us, even though we may not know each other.
We have the example of Paul and Timothy in Hebrews 4:14-16, where Timothy saw how Paul taught that we had to endure many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God, and he saw firsthand that Paul also suffered it, as he had to teach the good news, go through much opposition, and still endured.
Paul's example encouraged Timothy. When we endure, or when we see other brothers endure, we are an example, and the brothers are also an example for us. Thus, all of this gives us mutual encouragement.
12. What can we do for one another? (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4)
We can encourage and comfort our brothers and sisters in practical ways, supporting them when they face difficulties. Just as Paul received help and encouragement while under house arrest, we too can offer support, companionship, and words of comfort to strengthen them and help them endure their trials, following the example of 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Since we are all exposed to difficulties and problems, and just as we appreciate help in those times, we should offer our help to those brothers and sisters who are going through hard times. Being by their side, helping them in any way we can, and offering them support is something they will greatly appreciate.
We are very grateful to go to Jehovah's House of Prayer and to meet the brothers and sisters because, even though we are going through difficult times, we are very grateful to them for their help and support.
We all need this encouragement and consolation. We shouldn't think that some might not need it, or that only the weak need it. We have the example of Paul, who, while under house arrest, received help from several brothers and sisters, and later thanked them in his letters, mentioning them by name, and being of great help to them.
Philippians 2:29, 30 mentions a brother who nearly risked his life to help Paul. Thus, even the apostle Paul, a man of incredible spiritual character, also needed the comfort of others.
13. What helped a sister named Maya endure?
A sister named Maya was helped to endure by the support of her brothers. When she felt overwhelmed by difficulties, they called her, wrote to her, and expressed their affection. This gesture made her feel part of a large, loving family, which gave her the strength to continue to endure.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A sister named Maya says that in 2020, security agents entered her home, and she was taken to court for sharing her faith with others. But she says that, on one occasion when she felt she couldn't take it anymore, the brothers called her, wrote to her, and said things that made her feel how much they loved her. We've all experienced this at some point. Sometimes, when we can't take it anymore, we truly see Jehovah's hand through our brothers.
When we see experiences like Sister Maya's, it makes us think about what we do or what we can do. These experiences show us that what we must do is take the first step, be attentive to what's happening in the congregation, and care for our brothers and sisters in every way we can.
The brothers not only gave her material things, called her, or wrote to her, but they also surely prayed for her. Perhaps the sister didn't know what to pray for, and it was the brothers themselves who prayed for her, and Jehovah undoubtedly heard them.
14. How can we make the most of our siblings' help? (See also the image.)
We can make the most of the help of our brothers and sisters by staying close to our spiritual family and asking for their support when we face difficulties, especially the elderly, who are a "shelter from the wind, a refuge from the rainstorm." Furthermore, by helping others who are also facing trials, we strengthen our own ability to endure and maintain a balanced and positive attitude.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We must stay close to our brothers and sisters, remain in this spiritual family we have, and whenever we need help, there are the elders, who, as Isaiah 32:2 says, are a refuge for us. So, when we face serious difficulties, we can turn to them for help.
Jehovah uses the brothers and sisters and places them very close to us in the congregation, but it is we who must accept that help and not isolate ourselves.
In the image, we see the same brother still holding on. A different atmosphere is now noticeable through the window, indicating that time has passed. The faithful man is still there with his Bible, serving Jehovah, and receives a visit from the brothers to encourage him a little.
In the image, you can see details not seen in the previous photograph. In the background, there appears to be a walker on the table, which wasn't seen before. Furthermore, a larger amount of medication can be seen on the table. It's clear that the passage of time is taking its toll on this brother, but his loyalty remains steadfast.
Acts 20:35 tells us, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.” When we are able to give something to a brother in need, the satisfaction we feel is as if Jehovah had laid his hand upon us.
Helping a brother also helps us see other points of view, maintain balance, and acts as feedback. We help our brother, but helping him also helps us.
ILLUSTRATION
The older brother in the previous image sits in his house in spring. He's smiling and chatting with two little girls and their parents. Next to his cane are a few bottles of medicine. One of the girls shows him a drawing she made of Paradise.
Let us stay close to our spiritual family. (See paragraph 14.)
OUR HOPE
15. How did hope help Jesus, and how does it help us? (Hebrews 12:2)
Hope helped Jesus endure the most difficult day of his life because it allowed him to keep his eyes on future blessings: the vindication of Jehovah's name, reuniting with his Father in heaven, and ruling alongside his anointed brothers. Similarly, the hope we have of living forever in God's new world gives us strength to persevere and overcome any difficulties we face in Satan's world.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Hope helped Jesus remain faithful to his Father despite trials. Like Jesus, Jehovah will help us remain faithful and bring us blessings, happiness, joy, and peace. Romans 15:13-14 shows us how Paul desired that believers be filled with hope and share it with one another, encouraging us to share the truth with others.
Like Jesus, who endured great suffering for the hope he had, we too can reflect on the hope of the new world. All of this helps us endure any difficulties we face in this Satanic world. They are guidelines we can put into practice to continue enduring.
16. How did hope help a sister, and what do you learn from what she says?
Hope helped Sister Alla not become discouraged during a very difficult trial, as it allowed her to think about the wonderful future Jehovah promises. From her experience, we learn that if we keep our eyes on future blessings, we can better endure current difficulties and trust that Jehovah will help us emerge victorious.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Hope helped Sister Alla because it reminded her that these trials would come to an end and that victory would be Jehovah's, and so would ours.
He helped her see that trials are indeed a thing of the present, but that this present is coming to an end and that Jehovah's day is ever closer. The truth is that the present is here, but the future will be a victory for Jehovah, and we know it will soon arrive.
Our sister Alla's experience and attitude should motivate us all to imitate her and always keep our eyes on the new world that Jehovah has promised us.
17. How do we show that we value our hope? (See also the image.)
We show that we value our hope by taking time to meditate on the wonderful future Jehovah has promised us. Imagining ourselves enjoying the blessings of the new world makes our current trials seem more bearable. We also value our hope by sharing our faith with others and sharing God's purpose with them, helping them to become interested in Jehovah's promises.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As we see in the image, this brother, unlike the previous image, where he seemed to have a cane, now uses a walker, and there is much more medicine, indicating that his condition is worsening. Faced with these kinds of circumstances, with diseases that have no cure, we must think about the hope that Jehovah gives us. Reflecting on that hope helps us accept that, even if there is no solution now, we will live in the new world and be able to enjoy the life Jehovah intended for us.
Something that also helps us demonstrate how much we value our hope is maintaining a proactive attitude. We can imagine how difficult it must be for people to deal with Satan's world without knowing Jehovah's purpose for the future. Being empathetic in this way will help us share this hope with people, knowing they need it.
The image shows us that the brother clings very firmly to the help Jehovah gives him. It's clear that he is very aware of when Jehovah answers him and knows that he does so through the Bible. It's clear that he studies the Bible because he has many notes and also has his glasses on him. This shows that reading the Bible is important to him.
At the beginning of the paragraph, it says, "Let us take time to think about these wonderful blessings we will have in the future." Sometimes, with so many problems and concerns, we feel overwhelmed. We need to stop, as the paragraph indicates, and take time to reflect on them, thus demonstrating that we value our hope.
We can take time to meditate on the fact that, if we can't move well now or have an illness that prevents us from doing certain things, we will be able to do them in the future. We can imagine what activities we will do, what sports we will play that we can't now, and what moments we will enjoy with our loved ones. As the paragraph says, we must take time to stop, because otherwise, this world will run over us and we won't reflect on or appreciate those blessings.
ILLUSTRATION
The older brother sits at home in the fall. He thinks about the picture of Paradise open on his tablet. Next to him are a walker and several bottles of medication.
Let us take time to think about the wonderful future Jehovah has promised us. (See paragraph 17.)
18. Why can we trust Jehovah’s promises?
We can trust in Jehovah's promises because nothing can prevent him from fulfilling them, as Job understood. This certainty gives us strength to continue enduring, knowing that even when we face difficulties, Jehovah will keep his promises and that Paradise will soon be a reality for us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We are certain that, for Jehovah, nothing is impossible. We also have absolute certainty that he will fulfill all the promises he has made to us. So, even though we may be experiencing all kinds of difficulties right now, knowing these truths about Jehovah gives us peace of mind for the future.
After facing so many difficulties, Job said, "Nothing can stop Jehovah from fulfilling his promises." And, as Job 42:2 says, "I know that you can do anything, and that nothing you set your mind to is impossible for you."
This can be illustrated by a person with a serious illness. They've tried to seek medical help and have been unsuccessful, but if one day they find a doctor who not only tells them they'll get treatment but also explains how they can recover, they'll undoubtedly still be sick, but they'll look to the future with a different perspective, because now they have hope that they can overcome this illness.
19. What do we need to endure?
To endure, we need to make the most of the gifts Jehovah has given us: prayer, the Bible, our fellowship, and our hope. By consistently using these aids, we can face any difficulty, no matter how difficult, until Satan's world and its problems come to an end.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We have been given four gifts: the Bible, fellowship, hope, and prayer. Until Jehovah's day arrives, we are expected to make the most of these precious gifts.
EXPLAIN HOW THE FOLLOWING GIFTS FROM JEHOVAH HELP US TO ENDURE:
Prayer and the Bible
Although we are imperfect, through prayer, Jehovah hears us at any time, place, or language, even if we are isolated or in prison. When we pray, we experience a “steady peace” that protects our mind, helps us stay calm and confident, and allows us to ask for strength, wisdom, and help to endure.
The Bible assures us that Jehovah knows our needs and provides support even before we ask. He teaches us practical principles for daily life, such as focusing on the problems of each day and not worrying about the future. In addition, accounts of faithful people from the past show us examples of faith and perseverance, encouraging us to imitate their endurance.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Prayer helps us endure, and we often realize how many times Jehovah has answered those prayers. It also gives us peace of mind to face difficulties and helps us remember Bible verses in difficult times.
Our brothers
Knowing that the entire worldwide brotherhood faces sufferings similar to ours comforts us and reassures us that we too can endure our trials. Furthermore, the brothers encourage us in practical ways: they support us and show us affection, as they did with the Apostle Paul, which strengthens us and makes us feel part of a spiritual family.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Seeing the example of loyalty from siblings who are going through problems helps us endure and imitate their example. Furthermore, siblings, with their words and actions, can greatly encourage us.
Although it may seem difficult and somewhat strange, if we lend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in need, it also helps us strengthen our endurance.
Our hope
Our hope helps us endure because it assures us that Jehovah will fulfill his promises and that our current difficulties will not last forever. Just as Jesus endured his most difficult day thanks to hope in his Father's promises, we can remain steadfast as we think about living forever in the new world God has promised us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He helps us in the same way he helped Jesus Christ on the most difficult day of his life: he was helped by the hope he had before him. The same thing happens to us. We will have the strength that only Jehovah gives us, because we know that he will not fail us and that this hope will come true.
Our hope also reminds us that trials are temporary and that Jehovah will reverse any harm we have suffered.
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