they are called upon to suffer, and ever before their eyes is the Leader and Perfecter of their faith, Jesus, who “in the days of his flesh” suffered many things and “learned obedience from the things he suffered,” perfect man though he was. (Heb. 5:7, 8) And even he took his troubles, his supplications and his tears to the God of all comPort, his heavenly Father. What a grand example for us! Here is one great source of power to endure: constant, close communion with our Father and our God. Remember, of Moses it was said that he “continued steadfast as seeing the one that is invisible.”—Heb. 11:27.

We cannot afford to ever overlook the marvelous disciplinary effect of suffering for righteousness’ sake. Paul was doubtless drawing upon his study of the ancient holy writings when he wrote for our benefit: “No discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous; yet afterward to those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.” (Heb. 12:11; Prov. 3:11, 12) Are we being trained by the discipline of Jehovah? The answer is Yes, if we maintain genuine happiness through the experiences of our ministry and go on faithfully and uncomplainingly serving. Our own disposition, opposition in our own household, the continual contrary talk of sinners, hatred from the world—whatever may be the immediate cause of our sufferings—we should maintain the right spirit if we are truly suffering in harmony with the will of God. (Gal. 5:22) Surely his mighty hand is molding and preparing us for greater and still happier privileges of service ahead in the new world. Peter therefore appropriately encourages us to “go on rejoicing forasmuch as you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory.”—1 Pet. 4:13.

That revelation in power when he is taking vengeance upon his enemies is now at hand. Finished now is the time for patient endurance of his Father’s reproachers. In the flesh Jesus willingly accepted the reproach and shame, but now the tables are turned and the entire host of God’s enemies will go off into shameful and utter defeat. The glory of that victory already seems to envelop the courageous warriors of the new world’s King as they now ‘take their part in suffering evil.’—2 Tim. 2:3.

As the final attack of Gog and his forces draws near, and therefore also the time of greatest suffering, let all of Jehovah’s servants stand firm. Take comfort from the promise kindly given us: “God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.”—1 Cor. 10:13.

‘Christendom Stands in the Way’

A former editor of The Christian Century, Charles Clayton Morrison, has gone on record, saying: “We have allowed Christendom to belie its own Christianity. It is Christendom that stands in the way of the world triumph of Christianity. In the Orient and in all non-Christian lands Christ is loved and the missionaries who teach his way of life are held in high esteem, but when statesmen and students come from afar to our shores and behold Christendom after nineteen centuries of Christian influence they turn back to their own faiths and traditions unconvinced and unpersuaded.”