DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday February 16, 2023, I will be very happy thanks to Jehovah, I will be happy thanks to the God of my salvation (Hab. 3:18).

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Thursday February 16

I will be very happy thanks to Jehovah, I will be happy thanks to the God of my salvation (Hab. 3:18).

It is natural for the head of the family to want to provide his wife and children with food, clothing, and a place to live. Are you going through economic problems? If so, these are difficult times. Despite everything, even if your situation is very difficult, you can take advantage of this time to strengthen your faith. Pray to Jehovah, read and meditate on the words of Jesus recorded at Matthew 6:25-34. Think of examples from today that show Jehovah cares for those who are busy with theocratic activities.—1 Cor. 15:58. This will strengthen his confidence that just as his heavenly Father has helped others in similar situations, he will also help you. He knows what you need and knows how to give it to you. When he sees Jehovah's hand in his life, his faith will be strengthened and he will be able to withstand greater trials in the future. w21.11 20 par. 3; 21 para. 6.

According to the account at Matthew 8:23-26, how did a severe storm test the faith of the disciples?

On a certain occasion when Jesus and his disciples were traveling in a boat, a storm arose in the sea. Jesus took this opportunity to help them see that they needed more faith (read Matthew 8:23-26). The storm was so strong that the waves covered the boat, but Jesus slept peacefully. Very frightened, the disciples went to wake him up and ask him to save them. Calmly, the Lord said to them, "Men of little faith, why are you so afraid?" The disciples needed to know that Jehovah was perfectly capable of protecting Jesus and those with him. What is the lesson for us? That a solid faith helps us face strong storms, whether literal or figurative.

How was Anel's faith tested, and what helped her?

Let's see how the faith of a single sister from Puerto Rico named Anel grew stronger when she went through a very difficult trial. In her case, the storm was literal. Due to Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in 2017, Anel was left homeless and jobless. She recounts: “In those terrible days, I was very afraid. But I learned to lean on Jehovah through prayer and not let anxiety paralyze me.”

Anel says that there was something else that helped her during her test: obedience. She says, “Following the organization's instructions helped me stay calm. The spiritual encouragement and material help I received from the brothers made me see the hand of Jehovah.” And she adds: “Jehovah gave me much more than he could have imagined, and my faith was greatly strengthened.”

What can you do if you are dealing with a severe storm?

Are you dealing with a strong storm in your life? Perhaps you are suffering from a natural disaster. Or maybe your “storm” is a serious health problem that has left you feeling overwhelmed and not knowing what to do. You may feel worried at times, but don't let it rob you of your trust in Jehovah. Open your heart and tell him everything you feel. Strengthen your faith by pondering times when Jehovah helped you in the past.—Ps. 77:11, 12. You can be sure that it will never leave you, now or ever.

Why should we be determined to be obedient to those who lead us?

What else will help him endure the trials? As Anel indicated, obedience. Learn to trust those whom Jehovah and Jesus trust. Sometimes those who have been appointed to lead us may give us instructions that do not seem logical to us. But remember that Jehovah blesses obedience. His Word and the experiences of faithful servants teach us that obedience saves lives (Ex. 14: 1-4; 2 Chron. 20:17). Meditate on these examples and you will be more determined to cooperate with the instructions of the organization both now and in the future (Heb. 13:17). Then there will be no reason to be afraid of the great storm that is coming (Prov. 3:25).

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