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Still Standing, Even When Unsteady


dljbsp

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Still Standing, Even When Unsteady
 

“These are the days of our years—seventy years, or eighty if one is especially strong; but their pride is trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass by, and away we fly.” (Psalm 90:10)

 

“But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

 

“Therefore we do not give up. Even if our outer person is wasting away, surely our inner person is being renewed from day to day. For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it produces for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing weight and is everlasting. While we keep our eyes, not on the things seen, but on the things unseen. For the things seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)

 

2026-01-10at16_57_52.thumb.jpeg.fbfdc93a3e206f770cae5c039126c45d.jpegTime has a way of slipping past us without warning. One season turns into another, and before we know it, years are behind us. Psalm 90:10 has always felt honest to me. It does not exaggerate, and it does not soften things either. Life is brief, even when it is long. And much of it carries strain. Jehovah tells us that up front, not to discourage us, but to help us think clearly about what really matters.

 

Jesus’ words narrow the focus even more. He does not talk about strength, talent, or ease. He talks about endurance. Staying faithful when life presses in. Remaining loyal when answers are not immediate and relief is not quick. Endurance is rarely impressive to look at. Most days it feels quiet, even unnoticed. But it matters deeply to Jehovah.

 

That has become very real to me over the last few years. When vestibular neuritis entered my life, it changed how I move through the world. Balance became uncertain. Simple things—standing, walking, turning—began to require thought and caution. There was no dramatic moment where it left. It simply stayed. And with it came limits I did not choose.

 

I had to slow down. I had to adjust expectations. I had to accept that I would still serve Jehovah, still attend as much as possible, still care about others—just not in the same way or at the same pace. Some days, endurance meant showing up while feeling unsteady. Other days, it meant accepting what I could not do and trusting that Jehovah understood.

 

2026-01-10at16_58_02.thumb.jpeg.4893f7fdb60206eff7715cb3311e9719.jpegThat is why Paul’s words at 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 carry so much weight for me. The outer person really can waste away. That is not weakness. It is reality. But at the same time—quietly, almost invisibly—the inner person can be renewed. Day by day. Not all at once. Not loudly. Just faithfully.

 

What if endurance is simply refusing to let hardship define our devotion?

What if Jehovah values steady loyalty more than visible strength?

What if what feels like limitation is actually refining our trust in Him?

 

The years do move quickly. Jehovah knows that better than anyone. And He sees every effort made under strain, every careful step taken while unsteady, every decision to remain faithful when life feels fragile. None of it is lost. None of it is forgotten.

 

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This is so beautiful, so moving, that my eyes and heart are brimming, dear one. Your pictures are reaching me too.

I can so relate to what you are saying and am facing some prolonged health challenges too that just a few years back I'd hoped wouldn't be the case. I feel for you. That inflammation causes daily pain and discomfort for you too and that can be so not easy to keep staying steady. Good on you for holding onto Jehovah's hand and having this wise and sensible perspective.

Yes, as you've expressed so well, Jehovah is a kind God and realistic and is not concerned with what the world fusses about... as if the external is all there is to a person. Sure, we present the best we can under the circumstances out of respect and love for Jah and our bros. and sis. But it is the inner person that he loves so much. That quiet plodding on staying faithful in our core in our deepest, most private place inside.... Jehovah sees and will take note and have an answer for the one taunting him. 

Your endurance in your trialsome days of being able to do less than you would like to does not go unnoticed. As the study we did this weekend shared... we are precious in his eyes. How blessed we are that though we suffer physically, and can feel quite alone or down at times humanly-speaking, we do have ones who care in the congregation, but they may not know our situation or are busy trying to stay afloat themselves. But just today at the meeting, I went to speak again to a sister new to the congregation and she is so lovely. 

She would not have known that I was feeling a bit at a loose end with fatigue and life's pressures of late, but somehow the sister's kind eyes and soft words reminded me of how wonderful it is that there are some in the truth who remember to give of their goodness. Usually I'm the one giving out endlessly, but this day it went the other way, so that was nice. Even those who have been faithful for a long time as you too evidently have been, need that gift from time to time.

 will be mentioning you in my prayers tonight. Take care, dear heart... Our heavenly Father knows what we need. xx

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5 hours ago, tmm said:

will be mentioning you in my prayers tonight.

Thank you for your kind words. They truly touched my heart.
 

Looking back, I can see that Jehovah has always taken care of me—especially when life was low. He has also been there in every joy. I do not regret the losses I’ve had. They served their purpose at the right time, even if I did not understand it then.
 

Micah 6:8 says: “He has told you, O man, what is good. And what is Jehovah asking back from you? Only to exercise justice, to cherish loyalty, and to walk modestly with your God.” For me, walking modestly means accepting what is, trusting Jehovah, and not fighting what cannot be changed.
 

Jehovah knows our hearts. He understands our limits. And He never forgets those who keep holding on to Him.

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Beautifully said. I prayed that you be given strength, wisdom, and hope, about five times since I wrote that, as nights aren't just one stretch... and I'm glad you felt moved at heart. Sometimes it is nice to know a brother or sister cares. As you say, our major help comes from our Heavenly Father, who knows all things and is the epitome of love and tender care. We are so blessed. Take care.

 

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