"We Do Not Give Up"! - MEETING CHALLENGES TO OUR FAITH

Let us now consider three challenges that could cause us to slow down.  They are postponed expectations, declining physical strength, and long-lasting trials.  We can benefit  from learning how others have coped with these circumstances. - PHILIPPIANS 3:17. 

Postponed expectations.  We naturally long for the good things that Jehovah has promised.  In fact, when Jehovah's prophet Habakkuk expressed a  yearning for Jehovah to bring an end to the wicked conditions in Judah, Jehovah instructed him to "keep in expectation." (Habakkuk 2:3)  However, when the fulfillment of our expectations appears to be delayed, if my dampen our enthusiasm.  We could even lose heart.  (Proverbs 13:12)  This happened at the beginning of the 20th century.  At that time,  many anointed Christians expected to receive their heavenly reward in 1914.   What that did not happen, how did faithful ones deal with their delayed expectations?

Consider the example of two loyal ones who met such a challenge.  Brother Royal Spatz was baptized in 1908 at the age of 20.  He was very confident that he would soon receive his reward.  In fact, when he proposed marriage in 1911, he told his prospective bride, Pearl:  "You know what is going to happen in 1914.  If we are going to get married, we better do it soon!"  Did this Christian couple give up the race for life when they did not receive their heavenly reward in 1914?   No, because their primary focus was on faithfully doing God's will,  not gaining their reward.  They were determined to run the race with endurance.  And, indeed, Royal and Pearl remained active and faithful until their finished their earthly course many decades later.  No doubt you long to see Jehovah vindicate his name and sovereignty and fulfill all his promises.  Be assured that these things will happen in Jehovah's due time. Until then, may we keep busy serving our God, never allowing postponed expectations to discourage  us or slow us down.

Next time: "We Do Not Give Up"! - Conclusion of  MEETING CHALLENGES TO OUR FAITH

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