"Stand Firm in the Faith"

FOCUS ON JESUS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH

When Peter looked at the storm and started to sink, he could have tried to make it back to the boat on his own.  He was an able swimmer, so this might  even have been his natural response.  (John 21:7) Yet, instead of relying on himself, he refocused on Jesus and accepted Jesus' help. If we sense that our faith is weakening, we should imitate Peter's example.  But how can we do that? 

Just as Peter refocused on Jesus, we too must "look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus."  (Read Hebrews 12:2, 3)  Of course,, we cannot literally see Jesus as Peter did. Instead, we "look intently" at Jesus by examining his teachings and actions and then following these closely.  Consider some steps we can take based on the model Jesus set. If we put these into practice, we will receive the help we need to make our faith firm.

Strengthen your confidence in the Bible. Jesus was convinced  that the Bible is God's Word, which provides the best guidance in life.  (John 17:17) Following Jesus' example, we must read the Bible daily, study it, and meditate on what we learn.  Along with general Bible study, dig into topics about which you may have questions. To illustrate, you might increase your conviction that the end of this system of things really is near by studying in detail the Scriptural proof that we live in the last days. Strengthen your trust in the Bible's promises for the future by investigating its many prophecies that have already come true.  Develop your confidence  in the practical value of the Bible by considering examples of how the Bible improves people's lives. -1 Thessalonians 2:13. 

Focus on the blessings Jehovah  has promised.  By fixing his sights  on "the joy that was set before him," Jesus was able to remain faithful  despite extreme tests.  (Hebrews 12:2) he was never distracted by what the world could offer.  (Matthew 4:8-10) You can imitate Jesus by meditating on the wonderful promises Jehovah has made to you. Put yourself in the picture  by writing down or making a drawing of what you hope to do one God has removed this wicked system.  Make a list of people whom you look forward to meeting when they are resurrected and what you would like to discuss with them.  See these as God's promises  not just to mankind in general but to you personally.

Next time: "Stand Firm in the Faith" -Conclusion of FOCUS ON JESUS TO STRENGTHEN  YOUR FAITH

From the Watchtower magazine