As The End Draws Closer

In the race for life, we have to contend with our chief enemy, Satan the Devil. As we approach the end, he is relentlessly trying to trip us or slow us down. (Revelation 12:12, 17) And it is not easy to carry on as faithful dedicated Kingdom proclaimers in view of the wars, the famines, the pestilences and all the other hardships that mark "the time of the end." (Daniel 12:4; Matthew 24:3-14; Luke 21:11; 2 Timothy 3:1-5) Moreover, the end may at times seem farther away than we expected, particularly if we entered the race decades ago. Yet, God's Word assures us that the end will come. Jehovah says it will not be late. The end is in sight. -Habakkuk 2:3; 2 Peter 3:9, 10.

To succeed in the race for life, then, we must draw strength from what Jehovah has lovingly provided for our spiritual nourishment. We also need all the encouragement we can get from regular association with our fellow believers, who are also running the race. Even if severe persecution and unforeseen occurrences along the way should make our race more difficult, we can endure to the end because Jehovah provides "the power beyond what is normal." ( 2 Corinthians 4:7) How reassuring to know that Jehovah wants us to finish the course triumphantly! With firm determination, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Fully confident that "in due season we shall reap if we do not tire out." - Hebrews 12:1; Galatians 6:9.

Next time: Divine Riddles And God's Purpose

Watchtower, 1999