True, due to human imperfection, very few of us have a so-called ‘photographic memory’ that might enable us to remember everything we study. But if we have made a serious effort in studying the Bible, we can rely on Jehovah’s spirit to bring to our mind Scriptural thoughts that will provide the guidance and encouragement needed to face various trials and the information required to defend our faith. Jesus assured his disciples: “When they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you are to speak; for what you are to speak will be given you in that hour; for the ones speaking are not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that speaks by you.”​—Matt. 10:19, 20.

Then there is the example of Nancy Yuen, who spent 20 years in prisons and labor camps in China. During her long detention, she was separated from her family besides being under constant pressure to renounce her faith. However, she was able to survive the long, hard ordeal by relying on Jehovah for strength and drawing on the sustaining power of his Word. By the help of God’s spirit, she was able to recall scriptures that seemed most fitting in meeting her needs under various circumstances. As she put it: “There were always appropriate scriptures that came to my mind to give me proper guidance and strength to cope with every situation.”

For instance, when Sister Yuen was confronted with threats of violence and physical abuse, she recalled Jehovah’s comforting words to the prophet Ezekiel: “Do not be afraid of them; and of their words do not be afraid.” (Ezek. 2:6) When she missed her family sorely, these words of Jesus came to her mind: “He that has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and he that has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not accept his torture stake and follow after me is not worthy of me.” (Matt. 10:37, 38) This filled her with renewed determination to maintain her integrity, no matter how great the cost.

When Sister Yuen was deliberately humiliated and maltreated, she recalled how Jesus’ apostles reacted to being flogged for preaching the “good news.” She bore in mind that they “went their way from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of [Christ’s] name.” (Acts 5:40-42) So she was able to bear the shame gladly. When suffering from material privation, she recalled that ‘man does not live by bread alone.’​—Luke 4:4.

Sister Yuen thought of many faithful servants of Jehovah who had maintained their integrity to God through hardships and trials. She drew much comfort from the fine examples set by Job and Daniel, as she felt that she was undergoing experiences similar to those endured by those faithful men of old. Of course, the greatest example of all, that of Christ Jesus, was a constant source of encouragement.