"Stand Firm in the Faith"

FAITH IN GOD'S SUPPORT

When Peter climbed out of the boat to walk on the water, he did so in faith. Jesus had called him, and Peter trusted that God's power would support him just as it was supporting Jesus.  Similarly when we dedicated ourselves to Jehovah and got baptized, we did so because of our faith. Jesus called to us to be his followers, to walk in  his footsteps. We had to exercise faith in both Jesus and God, trusting that they would support us in various way. -John 14:1; read 1 Peter 2:21. 

Faith is truly a precious possession.  Just as Peter's faith enabled him to walk on water, our faith enables us to do things from a human standpoint may seem impossible.  (Matthew 21:21, 22) For instance, many of us have changed our attitudes and practices so drastically that we are almost unrecognizable to those who knew us before. Jehovah supported our efforts because we took these steps  based on our faith in him.  (Read Colossians 3:5-10) Once our faith moved us to dedicate ourselves to Jehovah, we became his friends, something we could never have done in our own power. -Ephesians 2:8. 

Our faith continues to empower us. In faith we are able to resist attacks of our superhuman adversary, the Devil.  (Ephesians 6:16)  In addition, trust in Jehovah helps us to minimize our anxiety during challenging times.  Jehovah says that when our faith moves us to put Kingdom interests first, he will provide for our material needs.  (Matthew 6:30-34) More than that, because of our faith, we will receive a gift no human could ever obtain by his own efforts-everlasting life. -John 3:16. 

Next time: "Stand Firm in the Faith" -LOSS OF FOCUS CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF FAITH

From the jw.org publications