DAILY TEXT, From today Wednesday January 18, When I am weak, then I am powerful (2 Cor. 12:10).

DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday January 18, 2023, When I am weak, then I am powerful (2 Cor. 12:10).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Wednesday, January 18

When I am weak, then I am powerful (2 Cor. 12:10).

The apostle Paul encouraged Timothy—and by extension all Christians—to fully fulfill his ministry (2 Tim. 4:5). But it is not always easy. Let us think, for example, of those who live in places where our work is restricted or even prohibited. Jehovah's servants face a wide variety of problems that could discourage them. Many have to work long hours just to provide the basics for their family. They would like to do more in the ministry, but at the end of the week they have little energy left. Others can do very little in Jehovah's service because of chronic illness or the infirmities of age; some may not even be able to leave their homes. And there are also those who struggle all the time with feelings of worthlessness. Whatever problems we face, Jehovah will give us the strength to face them and continue to serve him as long as circumstances allow. w21.05 20 pars. 1-3.

FORCES TO CONTINUE PREACHING

What difficult situations did Paul face?

Pablo faced many difficult situations. He needed strength especially when he was beaten, stoned, and thrown into prison (2 Cor. 11:23-25). He had no problem admitting that sometimes he had to struggle with negative feelings (Rom. 7:18, 19, 24). In addition, he desperately asked God to remove a certain “thorn in his flesh” that he was suffering from (2 Cor. 12:7, 8).

What did Paul achieve despite the difficulties?

Jehovah gave Paul strength to carry out his ministry despite the difficulties. Let us think of all that the apostle accomplished. For example, while under house arrest in Rome, he enthusiastically defended the good news to Jewish leaders and perhaps to some government officials (Acts 28:17; Phil. 4:21, 22). He also preached to the Praetorian Guard and to all who visited him (Acts 28:30, 31; Phil. 1:13). It was at this same time that God used Paul to write certain letters that have benefited Christians from that time to the present day. And, thanks to his example, the brothers in the congregation in Rome felt strengthened and demonstrated “more courage to speak the word of God without fear” (Phil. 1:14). Although he could not always do as much as he wanted, he always did his best and said that his situation had actually contributed to the spread of the good news (Phil. 1:12).

According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10, what helped Paul fulfill his ministry?

Paul knew that everything he did in the service of Jehovah was not thanks to his own strength, but thanks to what God gave him. That is why he wrote that God's power “is fully demonstrated in weakness” (read 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10). Through his holy spirit, Jehovah gave Paul the strength to carry out his ministry fully despite persecution, prison, and other problems.

What problems did Timothy have to overcome to fulfill his ministry?

Young Timothy also depended on the power of God to fulfill his ministry. For example, he accompanied Paul on long mission trips. In addition, the apostle sent him on other occasions to visit and encourage some congregations (1 Cor. 4:17). Perhaps Timothy felt the assignment was too big for him. Perhaps that was why Paul told him: "Do not let anyone look down on your youth" (1 Tim. 4:12). On the other hand, at that time, Timothy also had a thorn in his flesh, since the Bible says that he was frequently sick (1 Tim. 5:23). But Timothy knew that Jehovah's powerful holy spirit would give him the strength he needed to preach the good news and serve his brothers (2 Tim. 1:7).

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.