HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH - Continue

 Jehovah can help us when we are facing a challenge. For example, when asking our employer for time off so that we can attend a convention or when asking for an adjusted work schedule so that we ca attend all our meeting, we create and opportunity to see Jehovah's hand in our life.  We may be surprised at how well things turn out. As a result, our confidence in Jehovah grows stronger.

Ezra humbly turned to Jehovah for help. Each time he felt overwhelmed by his responsibilities, Ezra humbly prayed to Jehovah. (Ezra 8:21-23; 9:3-5) Ezra's attitude moved those around him to support and imitate his faith. (Ezra 10:1-4) When we feel overwhelmed by anxieties about our material needs or about our family's safety, we must confidently turn to Jehovah in prayer.

Next time: HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH - Conclusion

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HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH - Continue

 When we received Jehovah's care during uncertain times, our confidence in him grows stronger. Consider the example of Anastasia, who lives in Eastern Europe. She quit her job in order to maintain her neutrality.  She says: "I had never been in a situation where I was without money." Then she adds: "I left the matter with Jehovah and saw how he tenderly cared for me. Should I ever be without a job again, I will not be afraid. If my heavenly Father cares for me today, he will care for me tomorrow.

Ezra recognized Jehovah's hand in his life. Reflecting on the times when Jehovah came to his aid no doubt helped Ezra to maintain his confidence in Him. Notice the expression "The hand of Jehovah my God was upon me." (Ezra7:27, 28.) Ezra used similar wording six times in the book that bears his name. - EZRA 7:6, 9; 8:18, 22, 31.

Next time: HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH - Continue

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HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH

 In 468 B.C.E., Ezra traveled with a second group of Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem. To undertake this trip, Ezra and the returnees needed strong faith. They would be traveling on hazardous roads, carrying a great amount of gold and silver that had been donated to the temple. That made them easy targets for robbers. (Ezra 7:12-16; 8:31) In addition, they soon realized that Jerusalem itself was not safe. The city was sparsely populated, and its walls and gates needed repair. What can we learn from Ezra about building our confidence in Jehovah? 

Ezra had seen how Jehovah supported His people in time of test. Years earlier, in 484 B.C.E, Ezra was likely living in Babylon when King Ahasuerus issued a decree to exterminate the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. (Esther 3:7, 13-15) Ezra's life was in danger.  In response to threat, the Jews "in every province" fasted and mourned, no doubt turning to Jehovah in prayer for guidance.  (Esther 4:3) Imagine how Ezra and his fellow Jews felt when the tables were tuned on those who had plotted to destroy the Jews! (Esther 9:1, 2) What Ezra experienced during those challenging times may have prepared him for future test and very likely strengthened his confidence in Jehovah's ability to protect his people. 

Next time: HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH - Continue

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KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON DOING GOD'S WILL - Conclusion

 One day when they returned home from the ministry, they learned that a close friend had traveled 160 kilometers (100 mi) to bring them two bags of groceries. Oleg says: "On that day, we once again experienced the depth of Jehovah's care and that of the congregation. We are convinced that Jehovah never forgets his servants, no matter how hopeless their situation may seem." - MATTHEW 6:33,

Jehovah wants us to focus on the lifesaving work of making disciples. As mentioned in paragraph 7, Haggai urged Jehovah's people   to make a fresh start in their sacred service, as if they were laying the temple foundations again. If they did, Jehovah promised to "send a blessing." (Haggai 2:18, 19) We too can be assured that Jehovah will bless our efforts if we give priority to the work he has assigned us to do.

Next time: HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH

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KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON DOING GOD'S WILL

This and the last blog are for Saturday's post.

 As the great tribulation draw close, we realize more than ever how urgent it is to obey the command to share in the preaching work.  (Mark 13:10) We may, however, find it difficult to focus on our ministry if we have suffered a financial setback or if we are facing opposition to our preaching work. What can help us to put Kingdom interests first. Remaining confident that "Jehovah of armies" is on our side. He will support us if we continue to put the Kingdo interests ahead of our own. So we have nothing to fear. - Read HAGGAI 2:4.

Consider the example of Oleg and Irina, a married couple who serve as pioneers. After moving to assist a congregation in another area, they lost their source of income because of the worsening economic conditions in their country. Although they were without steady work for about a year, they constantly felt Jehovah's loving support and on occasion received help from their brothers and sisters. How did they cope with uncertainties? Oleg, who at first felt depressed states, "Keeping busy in the ministry helped us to focus on what is most important in life."  While he and his wife continue to look for work, they remained busy in their ministry. 

Next time: KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD'S WILL - Conclusion

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HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS -Conclusion

 Read Zechariah 4:6, 7. In addition to facing economic hardship and political instability the Jews had to deal with persecution. In 522 B.C.E., their enemies succeeded in having a ban placed on the building of Jehovah's temple. But Zechariah assured the Jews that Jehovah would use his powerful spirit to remove any obstacles. In 520 B.C.E., King Darius lifted the ban on the temple work and even provided the Jews with funds and official support. - EZRA 6:1, 6-10.

By means of Haggai and Zechariah, Jehovah promised his people that they would have his backing if they gave priority to rebuilding of the temple. (Haggai 1:8, 13, 14; Zechariah 1:3, 16) Encouraged by the prophets, the repatriated Jews resumed the temple work in 520 B.C. E.  and finished rebuilding it in less than five years. Because the Jews gave priority to doing God's will despite uncertainties, they received Jehovah's support not only materially but also spiritually. As a result, the worshipped Jehovah with Joy. - EZRA 6:14-16, 22. 

Next time: KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD'S WILL

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HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS

When the returning Jews arrived in Jerusalem, they had much work to do. They quickly rebuilt Jehovah's altar and laid the foundation of the temple. (Ezra 3:1-3) But their initial enthusiasm soon waned. Why? In addition to the temple work, they had to build houses for themselves, plant fields, and feed their families. (Ezra 2:68:70) Moreover, they faced opposition from their enemies, who plotted to stop the temple rebuilding work. - EZRA 4:1-5. 

The returning exiles were also affected by unstable economic and political conditions.  Their land was now a part of the Persian Empire. After Persian King Cyrus died in 530 B.C.E., his successor Cambyses, embarked on a military campaign to conquer Egypt. While heading for Egypt, his soldiers likely demanded food, water, and shelter from the Israelites, which caused them further hardship.  The early reign of Cambyses' successor, Darius I, was marked by revolts and political instability.  These conditions no doubt caused many of the returned exiles to worry about how they would provide for their family.  Because of all the uncertainty they faced, some Jews felt that it was not the right time to build Jehovah's temple. - HAGGAI 1:2. 

Next time: HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS -Conclusion

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The Days of Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra

 ALL DATES B.C.E.

537: First group of Jewish exiles returns to Jerusalem

520: Haggai and Zechariah prophesy in Jerusalem

515: Temple completed

484: Esther intervenes after Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) degrees the extermination of the Jews

468:  Ezra and a second group of exiles travel to Jerusalem

455: Jerusalem's walls completed

Just as the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah helped God's people in the past to continue to trust in Jehovah during opposition, they can help us today to remain confident in Jehovah's support despite life's uncertainties. (Read Proverbs 22:19) As we consider God's message delivered by Haggai and Zechariah and examine the example of Ezra, we will answer these questions:  How were the returning Jews affected by life's uncertainties? Why should we keep our focus on God's will during uncertain times?  And how can we build our confidence in Jehovah in times of crisis? 

Next time: HOW UNCERTAINTIES AFFECTED THE RETURNING JEWS

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You Can Remain Confident During Uncertain Times

 "Be strong, . . . for I am with you,' declares Jehovah of armies." - HAGGAI 2:4.

DO YOU at times worry about the future? Perhaps you have lost your job and you worry about providing for your family. You may be concerned about your family's safety because of unstable political conditions, persecution, or opposition to the preaching work. Are you facing any of these issues?  If so, you will benefit from considering how Jehovah helped the ancient Israelites when they were confronted with similar problems. 

It took faith on the part of the Jews who had lived in Babylon all their lives to leave behind a comfortable lifestyle and travel to a country that most of them knew very little about. When they arrived, it was not long before they were affected by unstable economic and political conditions as well as opposition. Some therefore found it hard to focus on rebuilding Jehovah's temple. Thus, about 520 B.C.E., Jehovah commissioned two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to rekindle the people's zeal.  (Haggai 1:1; Zechariah 1:1) As we will see, the encouragement given by these prophets proved to be very effective. Nearly 50 years later, however, the returning Jews again reached a low point. Ezra, a skilled copyist of the Law, then came from Babylon to Jerusalem to encourage God's people to give priority to true worship. - EZRA 7:1, 6. 

Next time: The Days of Haggai, Zechariah, and Ezra

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -Conclusion

 "Very Tender in Affection"

Jehovah was very tender in affection and merciful" with Job. (James 5:11) How so? Jehovah restored Job to health. Imagine how Job felt when he realized that his flesh had, indeed become "fresher than youth" as Elihu had foretold!  His family and friends rallied around him at last, extending sympathy and gifts. Jehovah restored Job's wealth, giving him twice the possessions he had before. and what of the deepest wounds-the loss of his children? Job and his wife felt a measure of comfort in become parents to ten more children! And Jehovah miraculously extended Job's life. Job lived for 140 more years, long enough to see four generations of his descendants thriving. "Finally," we read, "Job died, of a long and satisfying life." (Job 42:10-17) And in Paradise, Job and  his dear wife will be united with their family, including the ten children Satan took from them.  - JOB 5:28. 29. 

Why did Jehovah reward Job so richly? The Bible answers: "You have heard of the endurance of job." (James 5:11) Job endured more hardships than most of us can even imagine.  The word "endurance" tells us that Job did more than survive those trials. He endured them with his faith and love for Jehovah intact. Rather than turning hard and bitter, he remained willing to forgive even those who had deliberately hurt him. And he never let go of his precious hope or his own prized possession, his integrity.  - JOB27:5.

Each of us needs to endure. We can be sure that Satan will try to discourage us as his Job. But if we endure in faith, remaining humble, willing to forgive others, and determined to protect our integrity, we too may hold our precious hope.  (Hebrews 10:36) Nothing would frustrate Satan more or delight the loving heart of Jehovah more than if we were to imitate the faith of Job!

Next time: You Can Remain Confident During Uncertain Times

From the jw.org publications