DAILY TEXT, Thursday, July 17, 2025, A true friend loves at all times and is a brother in times of trouble (Prov. 17:17).

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Thursday, July 17, 2025

A true friend loves at all times and is a brother in times of trouble (Prov. 17:17).

Mary, Jesus' mother, needed strength to fulfill Jehovah's will. She was about to become pregnant out of wedlock. She had no experience as a mother, but she was about to raise the one who would become the Messiah. She had never had sexual relations, and now she would have to explain to her fiancé, Joseph, that she was pregnant (Luke 1:26-33).

How did Mary receive strength? By leaning on others. For example, she told Gabriel to give her more information about the task Jehovah had given her. (Luke 1:34) Soon after, she took a long trip through “the hill country” of Judah to visit her relative, Elizabeth. Elizabeth congratulated Mary and, through God’s Spirit, spoke an encouraging prophecy about Mary’s unborn child. (Luke 1:39–45) In response, Mary said that Jehovah had “done mighty things with his arm.” (Luke 1:46–51) Jehovah used Gabriel and Elizabeth to strengthen Mary. w23:10 14, 15 pars. 10–12.

How do brothers give us strength?

Jehovah can use brothers and sisters to give us strength. They can be “a source of great comfort” when we are going through difficult times or struggling to fulfill a responsibility (Col. 4:10, 11). “In times of trouble” is when we need our friends most (Prov. 17:17). If we feel weak, brothers and sisters can give us physical, emotional, and spiritual help. Let’s see how Mary, Jesus’ mother, received help and strength.

What happened when Dasurí asked the brothers for help?

As in the case of Mary, other faithful servants of God can also strengthen you. Let's look at the example of a sister from Bolivia named Dasurí. Her father was diagnosed with a terminal illness and hospitalized. She wanted to be a good daughter and take good care of him (1 Tim. 5:4). She needed the support of others to fulfill this responsibility, which wasn't always easy.

She admits: “Many times I felt like I couldn’t take it anymore.” But at first, she didn’t ask for help. Why? Dasurí explains: “I didn’t want to be a burden on the brothers. I told myself, ‘Jehovah is the one who will help me.’ But then I realized that by isolating myself from others, I was actually fighting my problems alone.” (Prov. 18:1)

Dasurí decided to write to some friends to explain her situation. She continues: “I have no words to express how much my dear brothers and sisters supported and strengthened me. They brought food to the hospital and encouraged me with Bible passages. How wonderful it is to know we are not alone! We belong to Jehovah’s great family, a family that is willing to help you with whatever you need, to grieve with you, and to fight alongside you.”

Why should we accept help from the elderly?

Jehovah also uses older people to give us strength. They are gifts he gives us to strengthen and comfort us. (Isa. 32:1, 2) So talk to them when you are worried. And if they offer help, accept it willingly. Jehovah uses them to make you strong.

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