TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, Week of June 1-7, 2026, “Do not be intimidated [...], because ‘I am with you’,” Prepared Talk.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD, June 1-7, 2026, “Do not be intimidated [...], because ‘I am with you’,” Prepared Talk.

“Don’t be intimidated [...], because ‘I am with you’” (10 mins.)

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt nervous before going out to preach? Perhaps when knocking on a door, starting a conversation, or preaching in a public place, we have thought, “I’m not good with words,” “I don’t know what to say,” or “Others could do it better than me.”

If we have ever felt this way, we are not alone. Many faithful servants of Jehovah experienced similar feelings. And one of the most touching examples is that of the prophet Jeremiah.

We will now turn our attention to the following video:

[Play the VIDEO Information about Jeremiah].

Video summary:

The book of Jeremiah is one of the longest in the Bible and contains numerous prophecies. Jehovah used the prophet Jeremiah to write it, and it reflects both his feelings and experiences. Jeremiah came from a family of priests and was appointed prophet around the age of 25, during a time of great political and spiritual instability.

For some 67 years, Jeremiah proclaimed Jehovah’s messages in the face of fierce opposition. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 607 B.C.E., as well as the exile of the people to Babylon. Despite the difficulties, he faithfully continued his prophetic work.

The book, composed of 52 chapters, contains messages of judgment against Jerusalem and other nations because of their idolatry and wickedness, but it also includes messages of hope and restoration for God's faithful servants. Jeremiah highlighted Jehovah's promise to establish a righteous and everlasting kingdom.

Furthermore, the account shows Jeremiah's courage and perseverance in the face of persecution, demonstrating that Jehovah was with him and strengthened him to fulfill his assignment.

Like Jeremiah, we may be afraid to preach or feel that we are not able to do it well (Jer 1:6).

After watching the video, we can imagine the enormous responsibility Jeremiah received. Jehovah appointed him prophet during a very difficult time. Jerusalem was rife with idolatry, violence, and corruption.

Furthermore, Jeremiah would have to proclaim messages of judgment that most did not want to hear. And what was their reaction?

LET'S READ JEREMIAH 1:6.

“But I said, ‘Alas, Sovereign Lord Jehovah! I do not know how to speak. I am only a boy.’”

Jeremiah felt inadequate. He thought he was too young and lacked the ability to speak. Don't we sometimes feel the same way?

Some may think, “I don’t know how to start conversations,” “I get nervous,” “I have no experience,” or “I’m not good at explaining.” Furthermore, we live in a world where many people reject the Kingdom message. That can be intimidating.

And Jeremiah felt that way too. In fact, there were times when he became very discouraged. In Jeremiah 20:9 he even said, “I will not speak in his name anymore.”

Imagine that. A faithful prophet, chosen by Jehovah, also struggled with feelings of fear and discouragement. But there is something very important we must remember: Jehovah never abandoned Jeremiah.

Jehovah empowers us and gives us strength to do his will (Jer 1:8, 9; w10 1/15 9 pars. 7, 8).

Although Jeremiah felt inadequate, Jehovah saw something valuable in him: a willing heart. That is why Jehovah gave him this reassuring guarantee: “I am with you.” How comforting those words must have been.

LET'S READ JEREMIAH 1:8, 9

“Do not be intimidated by his appearance, for ‘I am with you to save you,’ declares Jehovah.” 9Then Jehovah reached out his hand and touched my mouth. And Jehovah said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.”

Jehovah did not eliminate all of Jeremiah's problems. Nor did he immediately transform him into a great orator. But he did something far more important: He gave him the strength and courage to fulfill his assignment. And thanks to that, Jeremiah was able to preach a very unpopular message for forty years.

So how did he manage? Because Jehovah constantly sustained him. At Jeremiah 1:8, he told him: “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” And later, at Jeremiah 1:19, he reassured him again: “I am with you, to save you and to deliver you.”

Brothers and sisters, Jehovah is still at work today. We may not feel capable, but Jehovah can strengthen us to fulfill any Christian responsibility.

For example:

It helps us overcome fear in preaching.

It gives us the courage to defend our beliefs.

It strengthens us when we are tired or discouraged.

It helps us move forward even when we face opposition.

And something truly beautiful is that Jehovah doesn't expect perfection. He seeks willingness. When we come to God in prayer, he gives us strength and encouragement, just as he did with Jeremiah.

Perhaps before going out into the ministry we feel nervous. But after praying, we feel peace and courage to speak. That shows that Jehovah is truly helping us.

Now, in order to receive Jehovah's help, there is something important that we must not forget: we must trust him completely.

LET'S READ PROVERBS 3:5, 6.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways submit to him, and he will make straight your paths.”

This text teaches us something very important. Many times, our own understanding tells us: “I can’t,” “I’m going to do badly,” “I’m going to be rejected,” or “I’m not ready.”

But Jehovah tells us: “Trust in me.” And how do we demonstrate that trust? By following the guidance that Jehovah provides through his Word and his congregation.

For example:

When we prepare well for meetings.

When we use the suggestions in the Activity Guide.

When we regularly participate in preaching.

When we pray before going out into ministry.

When we accept advice and support from our siblings.

All of this shows that we are letting Jehovah direct our steps. And when we do that, something wonderful happens: Jehovah gradually equips us.

We may feel a lot of fear at first, but in time we will see how Jehovah helps us to improve and gain confidence.

Illustration

The picture in our Activity Guide shows Jeremiah announcing Jehovah’s message to idol worshippers in a marketplace. This teaches us that although Jeremiah did not feel capable of speaking to people because he was very young, he trusted that Jehovah would help him to fulfill this important assignment.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters, Jeremiah was not an extraordinary man from a human perspective. He had fears, insecurities, and moments of discouragement. But he faithfully fulfilled his assignment because he was never alone. Jehovah was with him.

And that same promise is for us as well. So, when we feel fear, insecurity, or inadequacy, let us remember these words: “Do not be intimidated [...], because ‘I am with you’”.

If we trust fully in Jehovah, he will equip us, give us strength, and help us to keep going. May we all go out today determined to trust more in Jehovah and to continue preaching with courage, knowing that we are never alone.