If you are faced with similar circumstances, when you perceive what Jehovah’s will is for you, then give your answer to those who try to discourage, just as the apostle Paul did: “What are you doing by weeping and making me weak at heart? Rest assured, I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”—Acts 21:12-14.

Do not, therefore, be a source of discouragement-producing pressure. “On the other hand, we exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, speak consolingly to the depressed souls, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all.”—1 Thess. 5:14.

YOU CAN OVERCOME THE PRESSURES

You can overcome the pressures that tend to cause discouragement. Jesus Christ did. “In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely. He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. When he was being reviled, he did not go reviling in return. When he was suffering, he did not go threatening, but kept on committing himself to the one who judges righteously.”—1 Pet. 2:21-23.

Yes, you can overcome the pressures. Jeremiah did. How? He kept focusing his thoughts on Jehovah through prayer and bestirred himself to more zealous activity in Jehovah’s service.—Jer. 20:11, 13.

You can overcome the pressures just as Paul did. Though “pressed in every way . . . perplexed . . . persecuted . . . thrown down . . . brought face to face with death,” “afflicted in every manner,” he relied on “God, who comforts those laid low.” (2 Cor. 4:8-11; 7:5, 6) Be encouraged in the right course by these and other faithful examples.

What if workmates, relatives and acquaintances continue to oppose or remain indifferent? Keep in mind what Jesus foretold: “I tell you, In that night two men will be in one bed; the one will be taken along, but the other will be abandoned. There will be two women grinding at the same mill; the one will be taken along, but the other will be abandoned.” (Luke 17:34, 35) You do not want to be among those “abandoned” by God! You want to be among those who are “taken along”; that is, among those who receive a favorable standing with God and who are brought into the way of salvation.

So maintain the right outlook; it will help you to persevere under difficult circumstances. Associate with fellow believers; enjoy an interchange of encouragement at meetings of the Christian congregation. Their good reports and experiences will encourage you. Read the Bible; in it you will find the “word of encouragement.” (Heb. 13:22) Try never to let a day go by without taking in some spiritual food. (Josh. 1:8) Turn to Jehovah, the God of all comfort; lean upon Him. Seek greater happiness by giving to others. Do not give up. Be determined to overcome the pressures that tend to discourage. With Jehovah’s help you can and will overcome.

No Evidence Against Special Creation

● It is significant that the Encyclopædia Britannica, a staunch upholder of the evolution theory, should observe: “There is, however, nothing in the study of living forms alone definitely to exclude the possibility that (as indicated by a strict interpretation of the Book of Genesis) we are part of a special, direct creation, and that, although modification of the animals thus created may occur, these modifications have been only of a minor nature, not meriting the designation of a major evolutionary process.”—1965 Edition, Volume 17, page 108.