"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

Conclusion of Seek the Power That Jehovah Gives

Second we can draw spiritual strength from the Bible. (Hebrews 4:12) The power of God's word was evident during the days of King Josiah. Although this Judean king had already removed pagan idols from the land, the unexpected discovery of the Law of Jehovah in the temple motivated hm to intensify this cleansing program. After Josiah had personally read the Law to the people, the whole nation made a covenant with Jehovah, and a second, more vigorous, campaign against idolatry was launched. The fine outcome of Josiah's reform was that during "all his days they did not turn aside from following Jehovah." - 2 Chronicles 34:33.

Third, we draw strength from Jehovah through Christian association. Paul encouraged Christians to attend meetings regularly in order to "incite to love and fine works" and to encourage on another. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) Of course, they could all have stayed at home and prayed. But they chose to come together to pray and encourage one another during that difficult arduous journey to Rome, he met up with some brothers in Puteoli and later with others who had traveled to meet him. His reaction? "Upon catching sight of them [the latter], Paul thanked God and took courage." (Acts 28:13-15) He was strengthened by being with fellow Christians once again. We too draw strength from association with fellow Christians. As long as we are free and able to associate with one another, we must not try to walk alone along the cramped road leading off into life. -Proverbs 18:1; Matthew 7:14.

Through regular prayer, study of God's Word, and association with fellow believers, we "go on acquiring power in the Lord and in the mightiness of his strength." (Ephesians 6:10) All of us undoubtedly need "power in the Lord." Some suffer from debilitating illnesses, others from the ravages of old age or from the loss of a lifetime companion. (Psalm 41:3) Others endure the opposition of an unbelieving mate. Parents, especially single parents, may find that caring for a full-time job while bringing up a family is an exhausting responsibility. Young Christians need the strength to stand up to peer pressure and to say no to drugs and immorality. No one should hesitate to ask Jehovah for "power beyond what is normal" to cope with such challenges. 2 Corinthians 4:7.

Next time: "Giving to the Tired One Power"

Watchtower, 2000

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

Seek the Power That Jehovah Gives

Jehovah can empower his servants as well as protect them. The Bible urges us to "search for Jehovah and his strength." (Psalm 105:4) Why? Because when we do things in God's strength, our power will be used for the benefit, rather than the harm, of others. Nowhere do we find a better example of this than in Jesus Christ, who performed many miracles In "Jehovah's power." (Luke 5:17) Jesus could have dedicated himself to becoming rich, famous, or even an all-powerful king. (Luke 4:5-7) Instead, he used the power God gave him to train and to teach,m to help and to heal. (Mark 7:37; John 7:46) What a fine example for us!

Furthermore, when we do things in "the strength that God supplies," This will help us to keep humble. (1Peter 4:11) men who seek power for themselves become presumptuous. A case in point is Assyrian King Esar-haddon, who boastfully declared: "I am powerful, I am all powerful, I am a hero, I am gigantic, I am colossal." In contrast, Jehovah "chose the weak things of the world, that he might put the strong things to shame." Thus, if a true Christian boasts, he boasts in Jehovah, for he knows that what he has done has not been accomplished in his own strength. 'Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God' will bring true exaltation. - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 1Peter 5:6.

How do we draw on God's strength? First of all,we have to ask for it in prayer. Jesus assured his disciples that his Father would give holy spirit to those requesting it. (Luke 11:10-13) Consider how this imbued Christ's disciples with power when they chose to obey God rather than the religious leaders who had ordered them to stop witnessing about Jesus. When they prayed for Jehovah's help, their sincere prayer was answered, and holy spirit it empowered them to continue preaching the good news with boldness. -Acts 4:19, 20, 29-31, 33.

Next time: Conclusion of Seek the Power That Jehovah Gives

Watchtower, 2000