Are You Maintaining Your "Large Shield of Faith"? - Conclusion of PROTECT YOURSELF FROM UNDUE ANXIETY, LIES, AND DISCOURAGEMENT

Discouragement  can weaken our faith.  We cannot ignore or personal problems. In fact, it would be irresponsible of us to try to do so. And at times we may feel discouraged. But we must not allow our problems to dominate our thinking. If we do so, we  might lose sight of the marvelous hope that Jehovah has given us.  (Revelation 21:3, 4)  Feelings of discouragement could then drain our strength and cause us to give up. (Proverbs 24:10)  But that does not have to happen to us. 

 Consider how a sister in the United States is maintaining her faith while caring for her seriously ill husband.   In a letter to headquarters, she wrote: "Our situation has been stressful and discouraging at times, but our hope is strong.  I am so very impressed with the information we have been getting to strengthen our faith and lift up our spirits.  We really need this counsel and encouragement. It keeps us going and helps us endure  the trials that Satan hurls at us."  We  learn from this sister's comments that we can overcome discouragement!  How? View your trials as being a test from Satan. Recognize Jehovah as being the source of comfort . and appreciate the spiritual food he provides. 

 Do you see any ares in your shield of faith that need maintenance?  During the past few months, have you been able to avoid giving to undue anxiety?  Have you resisted the urge to listen and to argue with apostates about the lies they spread?  And  have been able to cope with discouragement?  If so, then your faith is in good condition. But we must remain on guard because Satan has other weapons that he tries to use against us. Let us now consider one of them. 

Next time: Are You Maintaining Your "Large Shield of Faith"? - PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MATERIALISM

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