"Run the Race to the Finish" - KEEP RUNNING DESPITE CHALLENGES -Continued

 Are you lying in bed or sitting in a wheel chair?  Do you have weak knees or poor eyesight?  If so, can you run along with thsoe who are young and healthy?  You certainly can!  Many older and infirm ones are running on the road of life.   They cannot do this work in their own power.  Instead, they draw on Jehovah's strength by listening to Christian meetigs over  a  telephone tie-line  or watching meetings  trough video streaming. and they engage in the disciple-making work by witnessing to doctors, nurses and relatives. 

 Never let discouragement over your physical limitations convince you that you are too weak to run on the road to life. Jehovah loves you for your faith and your record of endurance. You need to help now more than ever, and he will not abandon you.  (Psalm 9:10) Instead, he will draw closer to you.  Note the comments  of  sister who deals with some challenging medical conditions.  "As health issues continue to mount, I find  that the opportunities  to share the truth with others  become less frequent. But I know that even my small efforts bring joy to Jehovah's heart, and that makes me happy."  When you feel low, remember that you are not alone.  Think  of the example set by Paul, and recall his encouraging words:"I take pleasure in weaknesses, . . .for when I am weak, then I am powerful." -2 CORINTHIANS 12:10.

Some who are running on the road to life face another challenge.  They are dealing with pesonal circumstances that others cannot see and may not understand.  For example, they have to cope with depression, or overwhelming feelings of anxiety.  Why do these dear servants of Jehovah face and especially difficult challenge?   Because when a person has a broken arm or is confined to a wheelchair, everyone can see the problem he or she faces and may feel moved to help. Howver those who must cope with an emtional or a mental disorder may not show any outward signs of suffering. Their distress is just as real as is the distress of someone with a broken limb, but they may not receive the same compassionate response from others.

Next time: "Run the Race to the Finish" -  KEEP RUNNING DESPITE CHALLENGES -Conclusion

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