DERIVE STRENGTH FROM YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE - Continue

 Paul gained the strength to endure by focusing on the hope. (Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18) He told the Corinthians that even if his physical body was "wasting away," he would not let that discourage him. Paul focused on his future. His hope of eternal life in heaven was "of more and more surpassing greatness," worthy any tribulation he had experienced. Paul mediated on that hope, and as a result, he felt "renewed from day to day." 

Tihomir, a brother in Bulgaria, finds strength in his hope. A few years ago, his younger brother. Zdravko, died in an accident. For some time thereafter, Tihomir struggled with intense grief. To cope, he and his family have imagined what the resurrection will be like. He explains: "For instance, we discuss where we will meet Zdravko, what food we will make for him, who will be invited to the first party when he returns, and what we will tell him about the last days." Tihomir says that focusing on their hope strengthens his family to keep enduring and to keep waiting for Jehovah's time to resurrect his brother.  

Next time:  DERIVE STRENGTH FROM YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE - Conclusion

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