DAILY TEXT, Today Friday September 27, 2024,  All who desire to live with devotion to God in union with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12).

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Friday, September 27, 2024

All who desire to live with devotion to God in union with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12).

Persecution can take away many things that normally help us feel at peace. We may feel anxious about what will happen next. It is normal to feel this way. But we must be careful that persecution does not cause us to lose faith, just as Jesus warned his disciples. (John 16:1, 2) He did tell us that we would be persecuted, but he also assured us that we can be loyal. (John 15:20; 16:33) When our work is prohibited or severely restricted, the branch office or the elders may give us instructions on how to protect ourselves, how to continue receiving spiritual nourishment, and how to continue preaching as much as possible. In such cases, we should be obedient. (James 3:17) And we should never give information about our brothers to those who have no right to know. (Eccl. 3:7) W22.12 20, 21 §§ 14-16.

Why do we follow emergency instructions?

In order to protect ourselves or maintain some order, authorities may order a curfew or evacuation, or take other measures. Some people resist following these instructions because they do not want to leave their property. But how do Christians act? The Bible tells us: “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human creation, whether to the king as superior or to the governors as his envoys.” (1 Pet. 2:13, 14) Jehovah’s organization also gives us instructions to protect ourselves. It frequently reminds us to give the elders our updated contact information so they can reach us in an emergency. Have we given them ours? The organization may give us instructions to stay home, evacuate, or get relief supplies. Or it may tell us when and how to help others. If we do not obey, we could put ourselves and the elders, who are faithful men who care for us, in danger. —Heb. 13:17. Margaret said: “I am convinced that following the instructions of the elders and the organization saved my life.”

What do many displaced Christians do to maintain happiness and peace?

Because of catastrophes, wars or social conflicts, many brothers are displaced. They do everything possible to adapt to their new situation and to immediately resume theocratic activities. They continue to “declare the good news of the word,” just as the first Christians did when they were scattered because of persecution (Acts 8:4). Preaching helps them to think about the Kingdom, not about their problems. In this way they maintain happiness and peace.

Like the apostles, what are we determined to do?

One of the main reasons Satan fights against God’s people is that we are “on a mission to bear witness about Jesus.”—Rev. 12:17. Let us not be frightened by Satan and his world. Preaching and teaching the truth in spite of opposition brings us joy and peace. In the first century, when the Jewish authorities ordered the apostles to stop preaching, they were faithful and obeyed God. They continued preaching, and they were happy.—Acts 5:27–29, 41, 42. Of course, when our work is restricted, we must preach with prudence.—Matt. 10:16. If we do our best, we will feel the peace that comes from making Jehovah happy and bringing a life-saving message to others.

Where does the peace we need come from?

Let us be assured that even in the most difficult times we can feel peace. In such times, we must keep in mind that the peace we need is God’s peace—the peace that only Jehovah can give us. Let us trust in him when we face epidemic outbreaks, emergency situations, or persecution. Let us hold on to his organization and think about the wonderful future he promises us. If we do, “the God of peace” will be with us. (Phil. 4:9) In the next article, we will see what we can do to help our brothers feel God’s peace when they are going through difficulties.

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