Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“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).
Are you suffering injustice, opposition from your family, or persecution because of your faith? Are you dealing with illness or the infirmities of old age? Or are you going through a very painful situation, such as the death of a loved one? Although we know that Jehovah loves his servants very much, our life may be full of “difficulties and sorrows” (Ps. 90:10).
2 To endure difficulties, we must view them from the right perspective. Why is this important? Let's take an example. Life's problems are like obstacles we encounter while driving. Depending on the obstacle, we decide whether it's best to swerve to avoid it, slow down, or stop for a moment. But to make the right decision, it's essential that we see the obstacle clearly. If our windows are dirty, we won't be able to see clearly. Similarly, to endure problems, we must see them correctly, as Jehovah sees them. In this article, we will analyze 1) what the correct viewpoint on difficulties is, 2) what could happen to us if we do not view them as Jehovah does, and 3) what we can do to maintain the correct perspective in the face of adversity.
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?
3 It's inevitable that there will be problems in this system. As long as we are imperfect and Satan rules the world, we will not be able to escape difficulties. Furthermore, as we approach the end, life will become more complicated, whether due to natural or man-made disasters or due to the wickedness of people. (Matt. 24:8; 2 Tim. 3:13). If Jehovah were to fix all these problems now, it might appear that he is helping Satan to rule. As we can see, in this system we will have to live through some “calamity” (Eccl. 9:12, footnote).
4. What is another reason why we suffer?
4 We also suffer for being Christians. Jesus told his disciples many times that they would be persecuted for their faith (Matt. 24:9; John 16:2). Keeping this in mind helps our faith not waver when we are persecuted. (1 Thess. 3:3, 4) By remaining faithful in the face of trials, we are certain that we are still walking on the path that leads to everlasting life. Furthermore, we demonstrate whether we are on Jehovah’s side or Satan’s on the all-important issue of God’s sovereignty and name. One of the Devil's lies is that humans only worship Jehovah out of selfishness. And, to try to prove he is right, he relentlessly attacks God's servants. (Job 1:9-11). When we remain loyal out of love for Jehovah, we make his heart happy. (Prov. 27:11).
5. What can we learn from Ecclesiastes 7:13, 14? (See also the pictures.)
5 Jehovah permits difficulties. He never acts cruelly or tests us with bad things (Jas. 1:13). However, King Solomon said that the “day of trouble” is one of “the works of the true God” (read Ecclesiastes 7:13, 14). I wasn't saying that Jehovah makes bad things happen, but that he simply allows them to happen. So, What can we learn from what Solomon said? On the one hand, we must be realistic and recognize that, as long as we live in Satan's world, we will have good days and bad days. When we enjoy a good day, let's see it as a gift from God and show our gratitude. On the other hand, Solomon reminds us that human beings cannot “be certain of what will happen to them,” that is, whether we will have a good day or one full of difficulties. Neither the righteous nor the unrighteous are spared unexpected problems.
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)
6 If we view the evidence from the right perspective, we will realize that Jehovah is teaching us to rely on him and not on ourselves. He is always aware of what happens to us and it pains him to see us suffer. Even when he allows us to walk “through the valley of the shadow of death,” he continues to guide us, showing us his love and giving us the strength to endure (Psalm 23:4). Adversity also helps us identify our weaknesses and improve our personality with God's help. (see Hebrews 12:7, 11). For example, Job had to learn to be more humble. Although Jehovah did not cause his trials, He allowed them and used them to teach him very important lessons. (Job 42:1-6). No matter what happens to us, we know that Jehovah will not allow us to suffer any irreparable harm. If we persevere faithfully, “we will emerge completely victorious.” (Rom. 8:35-39).
7. Why can we be happy when we are being chased?
7 We can be happy even when we are persecuted. If you are suffering persecution because of your faith, do not think that you have lost Jehovah’s approval. On the contrary, that opposition actually demonstrates that you have it. (Matt. 5:10-12) Having the right perspective on persecution will help you maintain joy and self-esteem, just like the apostles. (Hebrews 5:40-42). Furthermore, if you remain faithful, you can help others to know the truth and “give glory to God.” (1 Ped. 2:12). And consider the example of Joseph. Jehovah blessed him while he was going through difficulties, not just when they ended. The same can happen in your case. (Gen. 39:3, 23).
8. What other reason do we have to endure the trials?
8 Our problems are numbered. That is a lesson the life of Job teaches us. In fact, the account says that “Jehovah blessed the end of Job’s life more than its beginning.” (Job 42:12). And Jehovah promises us the same. He will bless “the end” of our life—that is, the part that will last forever—more than the brief, troubled beginning we may have had in this system. Isn't that a powerful reason to endure to the end? (Matt. 24:13)
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?
9 When we are going through any problem, we could make things worse if we don't have the right perspective. For example, we might think that Jehovah is the one who caused the problem. That is what Job believed for a time, and this mistaken idea led him to try “to prove that he was right and not God.” (Job 32:2). Similarly, Naomi initially blamed Jehovah for her misfortunes (Ruth 1:13, 20, 21). Had Job and Naomi continued to think this way, they would have damaged their friendship with God. (Prov. 19:3). However, Jehovah helped them to see their problems from the right perspective and blessed them for remaining loyal.
10. What might we ask ourselves when going through a difficulty?
10 Even if we are certain that Jehovah has not caused our difficulties, we may begin to wonder if he has forgotten us. Such negative thoughts can rob us of our strength. (Prov. 24:10). Both King David and the prophet Habakkuk went through many trials and at times wondered if Jehovah heard their cries for help (Ps. 10:1; Hab. 1:2). Even so, they did not stop praying to him. Jehovah assured those faithful men that he was by their side, and he will do the same for us. (Ps. 10:17).
11. What could happen to us if we don't have the right perspective on the evidence?
11 If we don't have the right perspective on the evidence, we might be taken by surprise and even think that these things shouldn't happen to us. (1 Ped. 4:12). Let us consider Jesus’ disciples. They struggled to understand that Jesus would face intense persecution (Luke 18:33, 34). Although he spoke clearly to them about the sufferings that awaited him, the apostle Peter thought that God would not allow it. Jesus knew that it was Jehovah's will that he should suffer and die and that Peter's way of thinking could be an obstacle, so he rebuked him (Mark 8:31-33). Even after his death, his disciples still struggled to understand why he had to suffer and die. But Jesus did not give up on them. When he spoke to them after his resurrection, he helped them to understand this matter correctly by explaining “the Scriptures plainly” to them (Luke 24:25-27, 32, 44-48). By meditating on what Jesus was teaching them, they would be prepared for the opposition they were soon to face. Let us consider what the Bible says about persecution, and we will be ready for the trials that come.
12. What might we think if we do not see things as Jehovah sees them?
12 If we do not see things as Jehovah sees them, we might think that we are suffering an injustice or that our situation is worse than it really is. For example, some brothers may feel it is unfair not to receive a certain responsibility in the organization or to have to give one up. Let's consider one of the lessons Jesus taught in the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Some were upset because they felt they had been underpaid, but the owner of the vineyard said to one of them, “Friend, I have never wronged you” (Matt. 20:10-13). The workers had not actually suffered any injustice; they were complaining because they had expected more than they should have. We certainly don't want the same thing to happen to us, do we? Let's see what we can do to maintain the right perspective in a difficult situation.
WHAT CAN WE DO IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY?
13. What can happen when we face a difficulty?
13 We know very well what the Bible says about suffering. And surely, when others were going through problems, we have often read encouraging biblical texts to them. However, when we are the ones facing a difficulty, we may find it hard to continue seeing things as Jehovah sees them. For example, we might think that God is punishing us or that He does not hear our prayers. What can we do to maintain the right perspective?
14. What can we include in our prayers when we are suffering? (Philippians 4:13).
14 Let us ask Jehovah for help. Let us tell our Father what we are going through and how we feel. We can tell him what specific things we would like him to do for us. It is also good to ask Him to give us strength and wisdom through His Holy Spirit. However, let us remember that he may answer us in a way that is different from what we expect (Eph. 3:20). Also, he may offer us his support through angels or brothers (Ps. 34:7). So let us be attentive to where Jehovah's help comes from and accept it. And we are confident that He will give us the amount of holy spirit we need to face the trial; He will not fall short (read Philippians 4:13).
15. What should we continue to do when we go through trials? (See also the image).
15 Let's maintain a good program of spiritual activities. Perhaps we can't do as much as before, but let's do all that we can. When we face “distress and difficulties” is when we most need to fill our minds with Jehovah’s thoughts (Ps. 119:143). So let's continue reading the Bible regularly, studying it, and meditating on what we read. Let's preach as much as we can and attend and participate in meetings. Let's resist the urge to isolate ourselves and spend time with our brothers and sisters. (Prov. 18:1).
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).
16 Let's resolve our doubts. When we suffer a misfortune, certain doubts about ourselves or about Jehovah may take hold of our minds. In that case, we need to tear down those “strongly entrenched” ideas (read 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5). How can we do that? Using “the knowledge of God,” which we find in the Bible and in our publications. For example, if we have doubts about whether we still have Jehovah’s approval, let us study the life of the apostle Paul. During his ministry, he suffered all kinds of adversity. However, all of that served to convince him even more that Jehovah and Jesus were pleased with him. (2 Cor. 11:23-27). If we have doubts about whether Jehovah has forgiven our past mistakes, let us make a list of scriptures that show he forgives us (Isa. 43:25). Then let us read those verses and meditate on them. (Ps. 119:97). And if misfortune has caused us to doubt God's promise to protect his faithful servants, let us seek information about why he allows suffering and how he gives us spiritual protection in every situation.(Ps. 91:9-12).In addition, we can read about the experiences of siblings who have dealt with terrible blows in life.
17. What should we do when we receive a test?
17 Are you enjoying a good day, without major difficulties in your life? Then thank Jehovah and take the opportunity to meditate on all the good things he gives you (Eccl. 7:14). But when a trial comes, strive to maintain the right viewpoint and continue to trust in Jehovah with all your heart. He promises his faithful servants that “he will give them a way out so that they can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13). Now, how can we help our dear brothers and sisters when they are going through a difficult time? We will see this in the next article.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What can help us have the right perspective on difficulties?
It helps us understand that problems are inevitable in this system. As long as we are imperfect and Satan rules the world, we cannot escape difficulties. Furthermore, Jesus told his disciples many times that they would be persecuted for their faith.
Jehovah never acts cruelly or tests us with bad things. He does not cause difficulties, but allows them to happen. If we view trials from the right perspective, we will realize that Jehovah is teaching us to rely on him and not on ourselves.
What could happen to us if we don't have the right point of view?
If we don't have the right perspective when we're going through a problem, we could make the situation worse. We might even start to think that Jehovah is the one who caused the problem. Just like Job, this wrong idea led him to try "to prove that he was right and not God."
What can we do in the face of adversity?
In the face of adversity, we can ask Jehovah for help. Let us tell our Father what we are going through and how we feel. It is also important to maintain a good schedule of spiritual activities. We may not be able to do as much as before, but let us do all that we can.
Furthermore, we must resolve our doubts. We need to overcome those deeply entrenched ideas that may arise when we experience misfortune. We can do this by using the knowledge of God, which we find in the Bible and in our publications.
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