barry
05-30-2007, 07:35 AM
Let endurance have its work complete, that you may be complete and sound in all respects.—Jas. 1:4.
What “work” is accomplished by enduring hardship? Recall Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Cor. 12:7) What did endurance accomplish in his case? Paul said this about his trials: “I rather boast as respects my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may like a tent remain over me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in cases of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful.” (2 Cor. 12:9, 10) Paul’s experience was that Jehovah would supply the power needed—“the power beyond what is normal” if necessary—so that he could endure. That, in turn, drew him closer to Christ and to Jehovah God. (2 Cor. 4:7; Phil. 4:11-13) Perhaps Jehovah has allowed your trials to continue. If so, take to heart his promise to those who fear him: “I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.”—Heb. 13:5. w 8/1/05 19, 20
What “work” is accomplished by enduring hardship? Recall Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Cor. 12:7) What did endurance accomplish in his case? Paul said this about his trials: “I rather boast as respects my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may like a tent remain over me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in cases of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful.” (2 Cor. 12:9, 10) Paul’s experience was that Jehovah would supply the power needed—“the power beyond what is normal” if necessary—so that he could endure. That, in turn, drew him closer to Christ and to Jehovah God. (2 Cor. 4:7; Phil. 4:11-13) Perhaps Jehovah has allowed your trials to continue. If so, take to heart his promise to those who fear him: “I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.”—Heb. 13:5. w 8/1/05 19, 20