EMPOWERED.

"For all things

I have the strength

through the one who gives me power." Phil. 4:13.

So: "Keep working out

your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

For God is the one

who for the sake of his good pleasure

energizes you,

giving you both the desire

and the power to act." Phil. 2:12, 13.

***

Yes: "I glorify my ministry". Rom. 11:13.

***

"Not that we of ourselves

are adequately qualified

to consider that anything comes

from us,

but our being adequately qualified

comes from God". 2 Cor. 3:5.

"Therefore,

since we have this ministry

through the mercy that was shown us,

we do not give up." 1 Cor. 4:1.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels,

so that the power beyond what is normal

may be God’s

and not from us.

We are hard-pressed in every way,

but not cramped beyond movement;

we are perplexed,

but not absolutely with no way out;*

(*Or possibly,

“but not left in despair.”)

we are persecuted,

but not abandoned;

we are knocked down,

but not destroyed." 2 Cor. 4:7-9.

"For God is the one who said:

“Let the light shine out of darkness,”

and he has shone on our hearts

to illuminate them

with the glorious knowledge

of God

by the face of Christ." 2 Cor. 4:6.

Since "Jesus has obtained

a more excellent ministry*

(Or “public service.”)

because he is also the mediator

of a correspondingly better covenant,

which has been legally established

on better promises." Heb. 8:6.

"Therefore,

we do not give up,

but even if the man we are outside

is wasting away,

certainly the man we are inside

is being renewed from day to day.

For though the tribulation

is momentary and light,

it works out for us a glory

that is of more and more surpassing greatness

and is everlasting;

while we keep our eyes,

not on the things seen,

but on the things unseen.

For the things seen are temporary,

but the things unseen

are everlasting." 2 Cor. 4:16-18.

***

"All Scripture

is inspired of God

and beneficial

for teaching,

for reproving,

for setting things straight,

for disciplining

in righteousness,

so that the man of God

may be fully competent,

completely

equipped

for every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.—Acts 14:22.

Jehovah expects us to set aside time to study the Bible regularly and to think deeply about what we read. When we apply what we learn, our faith grows stronger and we draw closer to our heavenly Father. As a result, we are strengthened to endure trials. Jehovah also gives his holy spirit to those who rely on his Word. And that spirit can give us “the power beyond what is normal” to endure any trial. (2 Cor. 4:7-10) With Jehovah’s backing, “the faithful and discreet slave” produces an abundance of articles, videos, and music that can help us to build strong faith and stay alert spiritually. (Matt. 24:45) Jehovah has trained his people to love and to comfort one another during distressing times. (2 Cor. 1:3, 4; 1 Thess. 4:9) Our brothers and sisters are eager to help us remain faithful when we experience difficulties.