Monday, August 18

Because of the promise of God, . . . he became powerful by his faith.​—Rom. 4:20.

One way that Jehovah supplies power to us is through the elders. (Isa. 32:1, 2) So when you feel anxious, share your concerns with the elders. When they offer you help, accept it gratefully. By means of them, Jehovah can make you strong. Our Bible-based hope of everlasting life​—either in an earthly Paradise or in the heavenly Kingdom—​can also fill us with power. (Rom. 4:3, 18, 19) Our hope strengthens us to endure trials, preach the good news, and carry out various assignments in the congregation. (1 Thess. 1:3) That same hope strengthened the apostle Paul. He was “hard-pressed,” “perplexed,” “persecuted,” and “knocked down.” His life was even in danger. (2 Cor. 4:8-10) Paul gained the strength to endure by focusing on his hope. (2 Cor. 4:16-18) Paul focused on his future hope of eternal life in heaven. Paul meditated on that hope, and as a result, he felt “renewed from day to day.” w23.10 43:14-17

Tuesday, August 19

Jehovah will give strength to his people. Jehovah will bless his people with peace.​—Ps. 29:11.

When praying, consider if it is Jehovah’s time to grant your request. We may feel that we need an immediate answer to our prayers. Really, though, Jehovah knows the best time to help. (Heb. 4:16) When we do not receive what we ask for right away, we may think that Jehovah’s answer is ‘No.’ But his answer could in effect be ‘Not yet.’ For example, a young brother prayed to be cured of his illness. But his health did not improve. If Jehovah had miraculously cured him, Satan could have argued that the brother continued serving Jehovah only because he had been healed. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4) Additionally, Jehovah has already set the time to cure all sicknesses. (Isa. 33:24; Rev. 21:3, 4) And until then, we cannot expect miraculous cures. So the brother could ask Jehovah to give him the strength and the peace of mind to endure his illness and to continue serving God faithfully. w23.11 49:13

Wednesday, August 20

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor has he repaid us what our errors deserve.​—Ps. 103:10.

Samson had made a serious mistake, but he did not give up. He looked for an opportunity to fulfill his God-given assignment against the Philistines. (Judg. 16:28-30) Samson begged Jehovah: “Let me take revenge on the Philistines.” The true God answered Samson’s plea and restored his miraculous strength. As a result, Samson was more successful against the Philistines on this occasion than ever before. Although Samson experienced the painful consequences of his mistake, he did not stop trying to do Jehovah’s will. Even if we make a mistake and need reproof or lose a privilege, we must not give up. Remember, Jehovah does not give up on us. (Ps. 103:8, 9) Despite our mistakes, we can still be useful to Jehovah, just as Samson was. w23.09 37:15-16