"Hope in Jehovah" - HOW CAN WE IMITATE JOB?

 We need to listen to Jehovah, not our enemies.  Job paid close attention when Jehovah spoke to him.  God reasoned with  Job, in effect saying: 'Do you see my creative power?  I am aware of everything that has happened to you. do  you think that I cannot take care of you?' Job responded humbly and with deep appreciation for Jehovah's goodness.  "My ears hav heard about you," he said, "but now I do see you with my eyes." (Job 42:5) Job was likely still sitting among the ashes, his body riddled with sores and his children in the grave,when he sid those words. Even so, Jehovah confirmed His love for Job and assured him of His approval. - JOB 42:7, 8.

Today, too, people may insult us and treat us as if we were worthless.  They may attempt to destroy our reputuation as individuals or as an organization and "lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against" us.  (Matthew 5:11)  From Job's account, we learn that Jehovah has confidence we will remain loyal to him when we face trials,; Jehovah loves us and will never abandon those who hope in him.  (Read Isaiah 49:15, 16.)  Do not pay attention  to any slanderous comments made by God's enemies!  James, a brother from Turkey whose family has faced severe trials, says: "We realized that listening to lies about God's people would discourage  us. So we focused on our Kingdom hope and remained active in our service to Jehovah.  As a result.we kept our joy."  Like Job, we listen to Jehovah!  The lies of our enemies do not extinguish our hope. 

Next time: "Hope in Jehovah" - YOUR HOPE WILL SUSTAIN YOU

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