What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Discouragement in Our Evangelizing Work

Jesus Christ was aware of the difficulties associated with the commission to make disciples. (Matthew 28:19, 20) He sent his followers forth as "sheep amidst wolves," knowing that their preaching activity would being persecution upon them. (Matthew 10:16-23) Yet, this was not a reason for them to become discouraged. In fact, God's servants who have prayerfully relied on Jehovah have often been strengthened by persecution. -Acts 4:2--31; 5:41, 42.

Even when Christ's disciples were not suffering intense persecution, they were not always favorably received. (Matthew 10:11-15) Likewise, the preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses is not always performed with ease today. To many people, belief in God is a personal matter that they do not wish to discuss. Others want nothing to do with a religious organization toward which they have certain prejudices. Without a doubt, indifference, the lack of results, or various other problems can be formidable sources of discouragement. How can these obstacles be overcome?

Next time: Obtaining Better Results

Watchtower, 1999