LET US BE THE SORT THAT HAVE FAITH

Conclusion of How to Grow Stronger in the Faith

From where did Paul's boldness come? From within? No, he said that he mustered up boldness "by means of our God." A reference work for Bible translators says that this statement may be rendered "God took fear out of our hearts." so if you do not feel particularly bold about your ministry, or if some aspect of it in particular strikes you as intimidating, why not appeal to Jehovah to do the same for you? Ask him to help you muster up boldness for the work. In addition, take some other practical measures. For example, arrange to work with someone who is adept at the form of witnessing that concerns you. It may involve business territory, street witnessing, informal preaching or telephone witnessing. Perhaps your partner will be willing to take the lead at first. If so, observe and learn. But then muster up the boldness to give it a try.

If you do muster up boldness, think of what may result. When you persist and do not let yourself become discouraged, you are likely to have good experiences in sharing the truth, experiences that you might think otherwise have missed. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have pleased Jehovah by doing something that is difficult for you. You will experience his blessing and help in overcoming your fears. Your faith will be stronger. Really, you cannot work at building faith in others without building your own faith at the same time. -Jude 20, 21.

May you continue to strengthen your faith and the faith of those around you. You can do so by building yourself and others up through adept use of God's Word, by studying Bible examples of faith and bringing them to life, by preparing for and participating in Christian meetings, and by holding fast to the precious privilege of the public ministry. As you do these things, be assured that you are, indeed, one of "the sort that have faith." Remember, too,that those of this sort have a precious reward. They are "the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul." May your faith continue to grow, and my Jehovah God preserve you alive forever!

Next time: HEED THE WARNING!

Watchtower, 1999