“Though distress and trouble have come upon me, I still delight in your commandments” (Ps. 119:143).
1, 2. What should we do to endure difficulties? (See also the image).
To endure difficulties, we need to learn to see them as Jehovah sees them. These paragraphs explain that we can all face very painful problems, such as illness, family opposition, persecution, or the loss of a loved one.
In such circumstances, it is easy to be swayed by our emotions, but Jehovah helps us to analyze the situation clearly. The comparison of the driver who cannot see well through a dirty windshield reminds us that a distorted view can lead us to make bad decisions.
That is why it is so important to seek Jehovah’s viewpoint through his Word. This makes us reflect on the importance of consulting the Bible before drawing hasty conclusions. Knowing how Jehovah views our trials helps us to react calmly and confidently.
ILLUSTRATION
A man driving with a very dirty windshield is surprised to unexpectedly encounter a huge sign right in front of him, blocking his path.
To cope with problems and know what to do, we must see them correctly. (See paragraph 2).
THE RIGHT POINT OF VIEW
3. Why are we going to have problems with this system?
We are going to have problems because we live in an imperfect world, temporarily ruled by Satan. Just as Jesus foretold in Matthew 24:8 and as 2 Timothy 3:13 indicates, difficulties would increase as the end of this system drew near.
Besides disasters, violence, and human wickedness, we all suffer the consequences of imperfection. Jehovah does not eliminate all these problems right now, because doing so could give the impression that he is supporting Satan’s rule.
Therefore, while we wait for the Kingdom, we will continue to face trials. This helps us to understand that difficulties do not mean that something is wrong in our relationship with Jehovah. Understanding this reality helps us to maintain balanced expectations and to continue trusting in his promises.
4. What is another reason why we suffer?
Another reason we suffer is because we are followers of Christ. Jesus clearly warned that his disciples would be persecuted for their faith, as Matthew 24:9 and John 16:2 indicate. Keeping this reality in mind helps us not to be surprised when we face opposition.
Rather, these tests allow us to demonstrate which side we are on regarding universal sovereignty. Satan claimed that humans serve Jehovah only out of self-interest, but every time we remain faithful, we prove that accusation false.
Proverbs 27:11 shows that our loyalty makes Jehovah’s heart happy. This helps us realize that even the most difficult trials can become opportunities to demonstrate sincere love for our heavenly Father.
5. What can we learn from Ecclesiastes 7:13, 14? (See also the pictures.)
Ecclesiastes 7:13, 14 teaches us to be realistic about life. Jehovah does not cause misfortunes or trials, as James 1:13 confirms, but he does allow them to occur as long as this system exists.
Solomon explained that we will all have good days and difficult days. Therefore, when we enjoy pleasant moments, we should view them as gifts from Jehovah and be deeply grateful for them.
At the same time, we must recognize that no one can fully predict what will happen in the future. Both just and unjust people can face unexpected situations.
This makes us reflect on the importance of maintaining a balanced attitude when circumstances change. In our congregation, we see examples of brothers and sisters who enjoy blessings and then face trials.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: A man tending his garden, experiencing both good and bad days. 1. Joyfully, he harvests tomatoes from his vibrant garden. 2. Another day, he sadly observes a rotten, withering tomato in his garden.
We must be realistic and recognize that, as long as we live in Satan's world, we will have good days and bad days. (See paragraph 5.)
6. What are some reasons why Jehovah allows us to go through trials? (Hebrews 12:7, 11)
Jehovah allows some trials because they can help us grow spiritually and depend more on him. Hebrews 12:7, 11 explains that discipline and training produce peaceful fruits of righteousness. Although Jehovah does not cause suffering, he can use certain situations to help us identify weaknesses and strengthen Christian qualities.
Job’s example shows that even a faithful servant could continue to learn important lessons. Furthermore, Psalm 23:4 reminds us that Jehovah never abandons those going through dark times. This helps us to think that trials can become opportunities to draw closer to Jehovah.
7. Why can we be happy when we are being chased?
We can be happy when we are persecuted, because such opposition shows that we have Jehovah's approval. Jesus said at Matthew 5:10-12 that those who suffer for righteousness' sake are happy and have a great reward.
The apostles understood this truth and, after being persecuted, continued to preach joyfully, as Acts 5:40-42 shows. Furthermore, our faithfulness can motivate others to know the truth and glorify God, as 1 Peter 2:12 indicates.
Joseph's example also teaches us that Jehovah can bless us even while we are going through trials, not just after they end. This helps us understand that difficulties are not a sign of divine abandonment.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
We can be happy when we are persecuted, because that opposition shows that we have Jehovah's approval. Jesus said at Matthew 5:10-12 that happy are those who suffer for righteousness' sake.
Furthermore, by remaining faithful, we demonstrate our love for Jehovah and give a good witness to others. Like the apostles, we can continue serving Jehovah with joy, because we know that he is with us.
8. What other reason do we have to endure the trials?
Another reason to endure trials is that they have an expiration date. No difficulty in this system will be permanent. The account of Job demonstrates that Jehovah can abundantly bless those who remain faithful.
Job 42:12 says that Jehovah blessed the end of his life more than the beginning. Similarly, we look forward to an eternal life, free from suffering, under God’s Kingdom. Compared with that wonderful hope, any present difficulties seem temporary and limited.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:13 that whoever endures to the end will be saved. This makes us think about the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on future promises and not just on present problems.
IF WE DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT POINT OF VIEW
9. How could we make things worse if we don't have the right point of view?
If we don't have the right perspective, we could worsen our problems by attributing to Jehovah things he did not cause. Like Job, for a time he thought wrongly about his sufferings.
Naomi also expressed similar feelings when she went through several misfortunes. However, Jehovah helped them to correct their way of thinking, and they both maintained a good relationship with him.
Proverbs 19:3 warns that a person can cause himself trouble and then become angry with Jehovah. This makes us think about the importance of not jumping to conclusions when we suffer.
In the congregation we learn that emotions can be intense in times of pain, but turning to Jehovah in prayer and studying his Word helps us to maintain a balanced outlook and to strengthen our friendship with him.
10. What might we ask ourselves when going through a difficulty?
When we go through a difficult time, we might also wonder if Jehovah has forgotten us. Even if we know that he did not cause our problem, suffering can make us feel alone or neglected.
David and Habakkuk expressed similar feelings on some occasions, as shown in Psalm 10:1 and Habakkuk 1:2. However, both continued to pray and trust in Jehovah. In time, they found that he heard and supported them.
This helps us understand that feeling discouraged doesn't mean our faith has disappeared. The important thing is to keep drawing closer to Jehovah. In daily life, we may not receive an immediate answer to our prayers, but Jehovah is always attentive to our needs.
11. What could happen to us if we don't have the right perspective on the evidence?
If we don't have the right perspective, trials can take us by surprise and make us think they shouldn't happen to us. That's what happened to Jesus' disciples when they struggled to accept that he would have to suffer and die.
Although Jesus had clearly explained what would happen, they did not fully understand the purpose of those events. Later, Jesus helped them understand the Scriptures, and thus they were prepared for the trials to come.
1 Peter 4:12 reminds us that we should not be surprised when we face difficulties. This makes us think about the importance of studying what the Bible says about suffering. The better we understand Jehovah’s viewpoint, the better prepared we will be to face any trial.
12. What might we think if we do not see things as Jehovah sees them?
If we do not see things as Jehovah sees them, we might think we are suffering an injustice when, in reality, what we need is to adjust our expectations. Jesus illustrated this idea in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, recorded at Matthew 20:10-13.
Some workers felt unfairly treated, but the problem was that they expected more than what had been agreed upon. Something similar could happen to us if we focus too much on responsibilities we don't have or privileges we've lost.
This makes us appreciate the blessings Jehovah already gives us. In the congregation, maintaining a humble and grateful attitude helps us to preserve inner peace.
WHAT CAN WE DO IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY?
13. What can happen when we face a difficulty?
When we personally face a difficulty, it can be more difficult to apply the advice that we have so often shared with others.
Even if we are familiar with Bible principles regarding suffering, intense emotions could lead us to think that Jehovah is punishing us or that he is not listening to our prayers. This shows that we are all imperfect and in constant need of help.
This leads us to believe that knowing the truth does not automatically eliminate pain or doubt. That is why it is so important to keep drawing closer to Jehovah when these feelings arise.
In our congregation, we see that even spiritually mature brothers and sisters experience discouragement. What makes the difference is that they continue to seek Jehovah's guidance and do not allow negative thoughts to dominate their perspective.
14. What can we include in our prayers when we are suffering? (Philippians 4:13).
When we suffer, one of the best things we can do is speak to Jehovah with complete sincerity. We can tell him what worries us, how we feel, and what we need. We should also ask him for holy spirit to receive strength and wisdom, as Philippians 4:13 indicates.
Although Jehovah may not always answer in the way we expect, he never leaves his faithful servants without help. He can support us through loving brothers, favorable circumstances, or even ways we had not considered.
This makes us reflect on the importance of keeping our eyes open to recognize Jehovah's hand in our lives. Knowing that he will always give us the strength we need brings deep peace and strengthens our trust in his fatherly love.
15. What should we continue to do when we go through trials? (See also the image).
When we go through trials, we must maintain a good program of spiritual activities. We may not be able to do everything we used to do, but we can continue doing what is within our reach.
Psalm 119:143 shows that in times of distress, we especially need Jehovah’s thoughts. That is why it is important to continue reading the Bible, studying it, attending meetings, and participating in them to the best of our ability.
We must also resist the urge to isolate ourselves, for Proverbs 18:1 warns against the dangers of separating ourselves from others. This makes us reflect on the value of Christian fellowship.
Often, a conversation, a visit, or a video call can become a source of encouragement that Jehovah uses to strengthen us during a difficult time.
ILLUSTRATION
A brother in a hospital bed connects via video call to the Watchtower Study. He follows along with his paper copies of The Watchtower and the Bible.
Do all you can to maintain a good program of spiritual activities. (See paragraph 15.)
16. What doubts might we have when we suffer a misfortune, and how can we resolve them? (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).
When we suffer misfortune, doubts may arise about ourselves or even about Jehovah. That is why we must do what 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 indicates: demolish wrong reasoning by using the knowledge of God.
If we have doubts about whether we still have Jehovah's approval, we can consider examples like that of the apostle Paul, who suffered greatly and yet remained certain of God's love. If we doubt whether we have been forgiven, we can meditate on texts such as Isaiah 43:25.
And if we struggle to understand why Jehovah allows suffering, we can delve deeper into what the Bible teaches on this subject. This helps us realize that doubts are not overcome by emotions alone, but by nourishing the mind with spiritual truths.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
When we suffer misfortune, doubts may arise about ourselves or about Jehovah. To resolve these doubts, we must use the knowledge we find in the Bible and in publications.
As 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 says, we must refute wrong thoughts with sound spiritual arguments. Meditating on Bible examples, reading appropriate texts, and reflecting on Jehovah’s promises will help us regain a balanced perspective and strengthen our faith.
17. What should we do when we receive a test?
When we enjoy peaceful times, we should thank Jehovah for all the blessings we receive, just as Ecclesiastes 7:14 advises. But when a trial comes, we must strive to maintain the right perspective and continue to trust fully in him.
Jehovah promises at 1 Corinthians 10:13 that he will never allow a trial to be beyond our strength and that he will always provide a way out so that we can endure it. This makes us reflect on the importance of strengthening our relationship with Jehovah before difficult times arise.
In our congregation, we see that those who cultivate strong faith during good times are generally better able to cope with trials when they arise. Knowing that Jehovah is willing to sustain us in any circumstance fills our hearts with confidence and hope.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What can help us have the right perspective on difficulties?
It can help us to remember what the Bible teaches about suffering and to strive to view trials as Jehovah does. When we analyze difficulties in light of the Scriptures, we understand why they exist, what benefits they can produce, and what their outcome will be. Prayer, meditation, and personal study also help us to maintain a balanced viewpoint.
What could happen to us if we don't have the right point of view?
We might mistakenly think that Jehovah is responsible for our problems, believe that he has abandoned us, or feel that we are suffering an injustice. We might also become discouraged and lose spiritual strength. That is why it is so important to keep aligning our thinking with Jehovah’s.
What can we do in the face of adversity?
We must ask Jehovah for help through prayer, maintain a good program of spiritual activities, and combat any doubts by using the knowledge we find in the Bible. If we continue to trust in Jehovah and accept the help he provides, we will be able to successfully endure any trial.
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