DAILY TEXT, Thursday, May 1, 2025, The entire inhabited earth was about to suffer a time of great famine (Acts 11:28).

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Thursday May 1, 2025

The entire inhabited earth was about to suffer a time of great famine (Acts 11:28).

In the first century there was a time of great famine in “the entire inhabited earth.” This situation also affected Christians. No doubt parents would be very worried about how they would manage to support their families. And young people thinking about expanding their ministry may wonder if they should postpone their plans. In any case, Christians adapted. They continued to do their best in the preaching work and willingly shared what they had with their brothers in Judea (Acts 11:29, 30). Those who received material help saw with their own eyes that Jehovah was caring for them. (Matt. 6:31-33) And they surely felt closer to the brothers who offered them their support. On the other hand, those who donated or otherwise participated in the relief efforts were very happy (Acts 20:35). w23.04 16 paras. 12, 13.

What blessings did Christians receive during the time of famine?

What blessings did Christians receive during that difficult time? Those who received material help saw with their own eyes that Jehovah was caring for them. (Matt. 6:31-33) And they surely felt closer to the brothers who offered them their support. On the other hand, those who donated or otherwise participated in the relief efforts were very happy (Acts 20:35). Jehovah blessed them all because they adapted to the changes.

What happened to Barnabas and the apostle Paul, and what was the result? (Acts 14:21, 22).

First century Christians suffered persecution on many occasions, sometimes when they least expected it. Let's look at what happened to Barnabas and the apostle Paul while they preached in the region of Lystra. At first, people welcomed them and listened to them. But later some enemies turned the people against him, and some of those same people stoned Paul and left him for dead (Acts 14:19). But Barnabas and Paul went to another place and continued preaching. What was the result? They made “a good number of disciples” and strengthened their brothers by their words and example (read Acts 14:21, 22). Barnabas and Paul did not give up despite the persecution, and that benefited many people. Likewise, if we do not give up and continue doing the work that Jehovah has given us, we will receive many blessings.

What do you learn from Brother Alexander Macmillan's example?

During the years before 1914, Jehovah’s servants had great expectations. One of them was Brother Alexander Macmillan. Like many at that time, he thought that very soon he would receive his heavenly reward. In a speech he gave in September 1914, he said, “This will probably be the last public speech I will give.” But it wasn't like that. Later, he wrote: “Some of us had perhaps been a little hasty in believing that we would go to heaven immediately.” And he added: “What we had to do was remain busy in the service of the Lord.” And that's what he did. He preached with enthusiasm, encouraged many brothers who were imprisoned for their neutrality, and did not stop going to meetings even when he was very old. He made good use of his time while awaiting his reward. How did that benefit you? He wrote the following in 1966, shortly before he died: “My faith is as strong today as it has always been.” Without a doubt, he left a good example for all of us, especially for those of us who have been enduring in this system longer than we expected (Heb. 13:7).

What unexpected problem did Brother Jennings and his wife face? (James 4:14).

Many of Jehovah's servants face unexpected health problems. For example, Brother Herbert Jennings explained in his biography that he and his wife were very happy as missionaries in Ghana.b But some time later he was diagnosed with mental illness. Brother Jennings described that situation as “a ‘tomorrow’ we did not expect,” referencing the words of James 4:14 (read it). He wrote: “We faced reality and prepared to say goodbye to Ghana and many close friends, and return to Canada [for medical treatment].” Jehovah helped Brother Jennings and his wife to continue serving him faithfully under these difficult circumstances.

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