DAILY TEXT, Today, Monday, October 10. My power is fully demonstrated in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

DAILY TEXT, Today Monday October 10, 2022. My power is fully demonstrated in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Monday October 10

My power is fully demonstrated in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

When we began to study the Bible, we may have been happy to let others help us, realizing that spiritually we were like children and had much to learn (1 Cor. 3:1, 2). But what now? If we have been serving Jehovah for years and have a lot of experience, we may not be so willing to accept help, especially if it is offered to us by someone who has not been in the truth that long. However, Jehovah often uses brothers and sisters to strengthen us.​—Rom. 1:11, 12. This is a reality that we must accept if we want to benefit from the power that Jehovah gives us. The secret of success is not in physical strength, education, wealth, or social position, but in humility and trust in Jehovah. Therefore, let us go forward trusting in Jehovah, learning lessons from biblical characters and accepting the help of our brothers. So even though we feel weak, Jehovah will make us strong. w20.07 14 para. two; 19 paras. 18, 19.

Why did David seem weak?

When the mighty warrior Goliath saw David, he seemed so weak that he "began to sneer at him with contempt." After all, Goliath was much larger and better equipped and trained for war. David was just an inexperienced young man who did not seem ready for battle, but he trusted in the power of Jehovah. As a result, what appeared to be a weakness turned out to be an advantage, and in the end he defeated his enemy (1 Sam. 17:41-45, 50).

What other problem did David face?

David faced another problem that could have made him feel weak and helpless. He was a loyal servant of Saul, the king Jehovah had appointed in Israel. At first, Saul respected him. But over time, pride made him jealous of David. He began to treat him badly and even tried to kill him (1 Sam. 18: 6-9, 29; 19: 9-11).

How did David react to King Saul's unfair treatment?

Although Saul treated him unfairly, David did not lose respect for him, knowing that he was the king that Jehovah had appointed (1 Sam. 24:6). He also didn't blame God for the bad things Saul did. On the contrary, he trusted that Jehovah would give him the strength to endure this difficult test (Ps. 18: 1 and heading).

What David-like situation did the apostle Paul face?

The apostle Paul faced a situation similar to David's. He had enemies far more powerful than he. He was surrounded by influential leaders who hated him and many times had him beaten and thrown into prison. Like David, he suffered mistreatment from those who should have been his friends. Even some in the Christian congregation turned against him (2 Cor. 12:11; Phil. 3:18). But he never let himself be defeated by his enemies. He continued to preach despite opposition. He was loyal to his brothers even when they let him down. And, above all, he was faithful to God to the end of his days (2 Tim. 4:8). Although he had so much against him, he came out victorious because he trusted Jehovah and not his own strength.

What is our goal, and how can we achieve it?

Do we have to put up with insults or persecution from classmates, co-workers, or non-Witness family members? Has anyone in the congregation ever treated us badly? If so, let us remember the examples of David and Paul. Let us continue to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Of course, our goal is not to put a stone in someone's forehead, as David did, but to use the Word of God to reach the minds and hearts of those with a good attitude. How can we achieve it? Using the Bible to answer people's questions, showing kindness and respect to those who treat us badly, and doing good to everyone, including our enemies (Matt. 5:44; 1 Pet. 3:15-17 ).

What did Paul never forget?

Before becoming a disciple of Christ, the apostle Paul—then known as Saul—was a brash young man who persecuted the followers of Jesus (Acts 7:58; 1 Tim. 1:13). But Jesus himself spoke to him from heaven, blinding him and stopping him from attacking the congregation. To get his sight back, Paul had to turn to the very people he had persecuted. He was humble and accepted the help of a disciple named Ananias, who restored his sight (Acts 9: 3-9, 17, 18).

Later, Paul became an important member of the Christian congregation, but he never forgot the lesson that Jesus taught him when he spoke to him from heaven on the road to Damascus. He kept a humble attitude and willingly accepted help from his brothers and sisters. He acknowledged that they had greatly helped and strengthened him (Col. 4:10, 11, footnote).

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