DAILY TEXT, Today's Friday October 28, We consider happy those who have endured (Jas. 5:11).

DAILY TEXT, Friday October 28, 2022,  We consider happy those who have endured (Jas. 5:11).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Friday October 28

We consider happy those who have endured (Jas. 5:11).

The Word of God acts as a mirror and helps us identify what we need to change and how to do it (Jas. 1:23-25). For example, after studying God's Word, we may realize that we need to control our temper. With Jehovah's help, we learn to be gentle when dealing with people or problems that drive us crazy. Then we can think more clearly and make better decisions (Jas. 3:13). How important it is that we know the Bible well! Some lessons we only learn by dint of making mistakes. But it is better to learn from the successes and failures of others. That is why James encourages us to analyze biblical examples such as those of Abraham, Rahab, Job and Elijah (Jas. 2:21-26; 5:10, 11, 17, 18). These loyal servants of Jehovah endured trials that could have robbed them of happiness. Their examples show us that we, too, can endure with Jehovah's help. w21.02 30 paras. 12, 13.

Why should we solve our doubts?

The problem: having unresolved doubts. Sometimes we may find it difficult to understand something we read in God's Word. Or perhaps Jehovah does not answer our prayers in the way we hoped. This can cause doubts to arise. If we ignore them, they will weaken our faith and damage our friendship with Jehovah.​—Jas. 1:7, 8. They may even make us lose our hope for the future.

The apostle Paul compared our hope to an anchor (Heb. 6:19). This gives stability to the boat during the storm and prevents it from going against the rocks. But it only works if the chain that binds her to the ship doesn't break. Just as rust weakens an anchor chain, unresolved doubts weaken our faith. When a doubting person faces opposition, he may lose faith that Jehovah will keep his promises. And without faith, there is no hope. As James says, "he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and carried from one side to another" (Jas. 1:6). Who could be happy in that situation?

What should we do if we have doubts?

The solution: face doubts and strengthen faith. Let's not be indecisive. In the days of the prophet Elijah, Jehovah's people had become indecisive. Elijah said to them: “How long will you be limping between two opinions? If Jehovah is the true God, follow him! But if Baal is, follow him!” (1 Kings 18:21). This could happen today. Therefore, we have to investigate to prove to ourselves that Jehovah is the true God, that the Bible is his Word, and that Jehovah's Witnesses are his people (1 Thess. 5:21). By doing this, we will remove our doubts and strengthen our faith. If we need help to solve them, we can ask the elders. To continue to be happy serving Jehovah, we have to get down to business resolutely.

What will happen if we lose courage?

The problem: being discouraged. The Bible says, “If you lose heart in difficult times, your strength will fail” (Prov. 24:10). The Hebrew word here translated "get discouraged" can mean "lose courage." If we lose courage, we will soon lose joy.

What does it mean to hold on?

The solution: trust that Jehovah will give us the courage to endure trials. We need courage to endure trials (Jas. 5:11). The word that James used and that is translated “endurance” conveys the idea of ​​someone who stands firm in his position. Perhaps a brave soldier who resists the violent attacks of the enemy without retreating an inch comes to mind.

What can we learn from the example of the apostle Paul?

The apostle Paul was an excellent example of courage and endurance. He sometimes felt weak, but he was able to hold on because he trusted Jehovah to give him the strength he needed (2 Cor. 12:8-10; Phil. 4:13). We, too, can have that kind of strength and courage if we humbly admit that we need Jehovah's help.—Jas. 4:10.