Supply to your faith . . . endurance.—2 Pet. 1:5, 6.
Jehovah’s great day is very near. (Joel 1:15; Zeph. 1:14) As Christians determined to maintain our integrity to God, we eagerly await that time when Jehovah’s sovereignty will be vindicated. Meanwhile, we face hatred, reproach, persecution, and death for our faith. (Matt. 5:10-12; 10:22; Rev. 2:10) This calls for endurance—the ability to withstand adversity. We need endurance, for Jesus said: “He that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13) We also experience illness, bereavement, and other trials. How pleased Satan would be if our faith were to give out! (Luke 22:31, 32) With Jehovah’s support, we can endure various trials. (1 Pet. 5:6-11) For example, God does not now cure us miraculously, but he does give us the fortitude to endure illness. (Ps. 41:1-3) Further, the apostle Paul urged Christians in Thessalonica to “speak consolingly to the depressed souls.”—1 Thess. 5:14. w07 7/15 3:1-4