Keep Your Eyes on the Big Issue - REMAINING FOCUSED

Granted, keeping our eyes on the vindication of Jehovah's sovereignty can be challenging.   Our problems may seem to overwhelm us at times. Even relatively minor ones can loom large in our mind if we dwell on them.  Therefore, we do well to remind ourselves regularly of the importance of supporting God's sovereignty when we face difficult circumstances.

Continuing to have a regular share in Jehovah's work can help us to stay focused on the big issue. For example, a Witness named Renee suffered a stroke and struggled with chronic pain and cancer.  While being treated at medical facilities, she witnessed  to hospital staff, patients and visitors. At one facility, she spent 80 hours witnessing in just two and a half weeks. Even as she approached death, Renee never lost sight of Jehovah's sovereignty.  That, in turn mitigated some of her distress.

Of course, we want to stay focused on Jehovah's sovereignty also in the face of day-to-day pressures and inconveniences.  Jennifer spent three days at an airport waiting for a flight home.  On flight after another got canceled. Feeling alone and exhausted, she could easily have surrendered to self-pity. Instead, she prayed to see how she might be of spiritual help to others experiencing similar frustration.  With what result?  She witnessed to many people and placed much literature . She says, "I felt that Jehovah blessed me despite the trying experience  and gave me enough strength to carry his name in a worthwhile way."  Indeed, she stayed focused on Jehovah's purpose.

Appreciation for Jehovah's sovereignty has distinguished true religion from false. God's people  have long upheld his sovereignty. As supporters of true worship, we individually should endeavor to maintain that same Scriptural perspective.

Be assured that Jehovah treasures your efforts to uphold his sovereignty by your faithful service and endurance trials.  (Psalm 18:25) The next article will consider further why Jehovah's sovereignty is deserving of your wholehearted support and how you can uphold it. 

Next time: How Do Bible Principles Benefit Us?

From the jw.org publications