How Holy Spirit Helps UsAnd wLY SPIRIT GIVES US POWER

 Jehovah's holy spirit helps us by giving us the power, or strength, to fulfill our responsibilities despite trials.  The apostle Paul  felt that he was able to keep working despite his trials because he relied on "the power of the Christ." (2 Corinthians 12:9)  During his second ministry tour, Paul not only worked hard in preaching but also supported  himself financially.  He stayed in Corinth in the home of Aquila and Priscilla, they were tentmakers, Since Paul practiced the same trade, he worked with them part-time.  ( Acts 18:1-4)  Holy spirit gave Paul the power both to work secularly ad to accomplish his ministry. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7b-9.   In this passage,  what did Paul mean when he said that he struggled with "a thorn in the flesh"?  If you had a thorn stuck in your body, you would be in a lot pain.   So Paul was saying that faced a painful personal trial of some sort.  He called this trial "an angel of Satan" that kept "slapping" (beating,")  him.   Satan or his demon angels may not directly have caused Paul's trials, as if driving a thorn into his flesh.  But when those wicked spirits noticed the "thorn,"  They  may have been eager to push it in deeper, so to speak, increase Paul's pain. What did Paul do?

At first, Paul wanted to be rid of the "thorn."  he admits:  "Three times I begged the Lord  [Jehovah] . . . that it would depart from me." Yet, despite Paul's prayers, the thorn in the flesh remained.  Does this mean that Jehovah did not answer Paul's prayers? Not at all. He did answer them. Jehovah  did not remove the problem, but he did give Paul the strength to endure it. Jehovah said:"My power is being made perfect  in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:8, 9)  And with God's help, Paul was able to maintain his joy and inner peace! - PHILIPPIANS 4:3-7.

Like Paul, have you ever begged Jehovah to deliver you from a trial?  If despite your earnest pleadings the problem persisted-or even got worse-did you worry that perhaps Jehovah was displeased with you?  If so, remember Paul's example.  Just as Jehovah answered his prayers, He will certainly respond to your prayers!  Jehovah  may not remove the problem.  But by means of holy spirit, he will give you the  strength you need to endure the trial.   (Psalm  61:3, 4) You may be  "knocked down," but Jehovah will not abandon you. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:8, 9;  PHILIPPIANS 4:13.

Next time: How Holy Spirit Helps Us - HOLY SPIRIT MOVES US FORWARD

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