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

Declining physical strength.  Unlike a literal runner, you do not need to be physically  strong in order to continue growing stronger spiritually.  In fact, man whose physical strength has declined still maintain a fiery determination to keep progressing spiritually. (2 Corinthians 4:16)  For example, Brother Arthur Secord was 88 years old and infirm after having served at Bethel for 55 years.  A nurse approached his bed to care for his needs.  She looked at him and affectionately said: "Brother Secord, this body has traveled many miles in Jehovah's service" Arthur, however, was not living in the past.  He gazed into her eyes, smiled and replied: "Yes, that's true. But it's not what we have done that is important. It's what we do from here on that counts." 

Perhaps you have served Jehovah for many years and now find that failing health prevents you from doing as much as you once did. If so, do not despair.  Be assured that Jehovah cherishes the faithful service you have accomplished  in the past.  (Hebrews 6:10)  And as for the present, remember that whole-souled devotion is not measured by how much we do in Jehovah's service.  Rather, we reveal the depth of  our devotion by showing a positive spirit and by doing all that we physically  can.  (Colossians 3:23)  Jehovah understands our limitations and does not require more than we can give.  -MARK 12:43, 44. 

Long-lasting trials.  Some of Jehovah's servants have endured decades of hardship and persecution.  For example, Anatoly Melnik was just 12 years old when his father was arrested, imprisoned, and exiled to Siberia, more than 4,000 miles (7000 km) away from his family in Moldova.   One year later, Anatoly, his mother, and his grandparents were also exiled to Siberia.  In time, they were able to attend meetings in another village, but they had to walk 20 miles (30 km)  in the snow, enduring subzero temperatures. Later, Brother Melnik spent three years in prison, away from his wife Lidiya, and their one-year-old daughter.  In spite  of years of hardship, Anatoly serves on a Branch Committee in Central Asia.  Like  Anatoly and Lidiya, may we do all we can in Jehovah's service, continuing to endure as we have done in the past. - GALATIANS 6:9. 

Next time: "We Do Not Give Up"! - MOTIVATED BY OUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

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