Sunday, March 17

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.—Heb. 12:1.

Paul was making reference to features of athletic games or races. He not only called attention
to the reason for engaging in the race but also pointed out what one must do to win.
The first century Christians, especially those living in Jerusalem and Judea,
were facing many trials and hardships. They were under great pressure from the Jewish religious
leaders, who still wielded powerful influence over the people.

Earlier, these leaders had succeeded in having Jesus Christ condemned as a seditionist and
killed as a criminal. And they were not about to stop their opposition.
In the book of Acts, we read one account after another of their threats and attacks against
Christians, starting almost immediately after the miraculous events at Pentecost 33 C.E. This
certainly made life difficult for the faithful ones.

—Acts 4:1-3; 5:17, 18; 6:8-12; 7:59; 8:1, 3.

w11 9/153:5, 6
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It is certainly a challenge to keep on serving Jehovah during these times. I have to say that I am encouraged by the experiences of the brothers/sisters on the discussion board here and other brothers/sisters from around the world who continue to serve Him and are striving to do His will, and many are striving to do this under difficult circumstances.

I notice that here on the discussion board, that there is great variety in the background and life experiences of each individual. And it is obvious that we as individuals, are dealing with a wide variety of trials and pressures. I pray that Jehovah continues to support us all and that we can be an encouragement to each other.

Wallflower