Questions From Readers

At Matthew 6:33, We find Jesus' assurance that God will fill the needs of faithful servants who put Kingdom interests first in life.  "Keep on then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness," Jesus said, "and these other things  [including food, drink, and clothing] will be added to you." However, Jesus also indicated that because of persecution, his "brothers might experience hunger. (Matthew 25:35, 37, 40) That happened to the apostle Paul. He at times experienced hunger and thirst. - 2 CORINTHIANS 11:27.

Jehovah tells us that we will be persecuted in various ways. He may allow us to undergo deprivation as we  help to answer the charges  brought by the Devil. (Job 2:3-5)  For example  some of our fellow Christian, such as those who were put  in Nazi concentration camps, have found themselves in peril because of persecution. Depriving the Witnesses of adequate food was one diabolical method used in an effort  to break their integrity.  Faithful Witnesses remained obedient to Jehovah; he did not forsake  them. He allowed them to undergo this trial, just as he permits all Christians to face trials of various sorts.  However,  there is no doubt  that Jehovah supports all who suffer for his name's sake.(1 Corinthians  10:13)   We can bear in minds the words of Philippians 1:29: "You have been given the privilege in behalf of Christ, not only to put your faith in him but also to suffer in his behalf.

 Jehovah promises to be with his servants . Isaiah 54:17,  for example, states: "No weapon formed against  you will have any success." This and similar promises guarantee the safety of God's people as a whole. Individually, though, a Christian may undergo tests, even to the point of death.

Next time: The Last Enemy, Death, Brought to Nothing

From the jw.org publications