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Well that phrase seems “ I can’t seem to catch a break”…. Seems to be a common sentiment today. I was talking to a close friend who just went through SKE.. They have been assigned to a small town, they have to rent out their condo at below what their mortgage payment is. The only place they can find to rent is a small basement suite with not even a stove. Work will be a challenge in a small town…. The expression conveys exhaustion, frustration, and the sense that circumstances are unfairly stacked against him. So basically he doesn’t feel that he is being blessed. So we discussed what were some of the needs that he has been looking for in awhile…not the external ones were people notice you.. but what you really need. Breaks do come….sometimes not in circumstances, but in the form of inner peace (Philippians 4:7). 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. So when someone says “I can’t seem to catch a break,” they’re expressing the fatigue of constant setbacks. But it can also be an opening for encouragement … reminding them that while external breaks may be rare, internal and spiritual breaks (peace, resilience, hope) are always available. Think of life as climbing a steep hill. Saying “I can’t catch a break” is like noticing there’s no flat spot to rest. But spiritually, prayer and friends can become those resting places…even if the hill itself doesn’t flatten right away. In my friends case moving to a small town will force him to slow down..which he needs. No dragons to slay .. no major issues… maybe even a bit boring. The small town has many mature ones who have served Jehovah through many trials .. he needs some role models. So how should we face the seemingly unfairness.. of life When facing unfairness.. 4 tools 1)Name it honestly: “This feels unfair.” 2)Anchor it spiritually: “But Jehovah sees, and He provides inner peace.” 3)Seek role models: “Others have endured similar trials…I can learn from them.” 4)Reframe the meaning: “This is not punishment, but preparation.” So, the way to face unfairness isn’t to deny it or minimize it, but to reframe it as part of the refining process. That way, even when external breaks don’t come, the internal breaks….peace, resilience, hope…become the true blessings. I think of the Apostle Paul the King of “not catching a break” … how many ship wrecks.. how many beatings .. on and on .. So, Paul’s perspective was not “I can’t catch a break,” but rather: Phil 4:12-13 12 I know how to be low on provisions and how to have an abundance. In everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both how to be full and how to hunger, both how to have an abundance and how to do without. 13 For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.

I don’t know if the end comes in a few months or years (the sooner the better) but all the recent clarifications show it’s really close.

We will be surprised, like the Nations, because it is coming as a thief. But it will not overtake us. 4 But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you as it would thieves, We understand what is happening. The Nations don't. We know what to expect and what to do. The Nations don't. But I think we also will be amazed to see how everything takes place. There is no way out for the Nations and False Religion. I always find this phrase very encouraging in W91 9/15 Par. 13 Once the great tribulation has started, doubtless our faith in God will be greatly strengthened. After all, we will see that Jehovah is carrying out what he said he would do. We will be seeing his execution of judgment with our own eyes!

Things get to us in different levels. Last Saturday, my granddaughter was visiting for the weekend (she is 15). We decided to go out in the field ministry on Saturday and she made arrangements with my other granddaughter (who is in my congregation) for us to join their family. When I drove over to the Kingdom Hall, I noticed that the windshield wiper was not clearing my windshield on the driver's side. I thought it had a seed or leaf particle stuck und the blade. When we made car groups, one older Spanish-speaking brother was left out of a car group. So my Son-In-Law said, "We have a van so he can come with us". We had to stop at their house and when we pulled into their driveway, he tried to put the window down and the mechanism broke. We also discovered that the wiper blade was damaged. So we decided to take our extra publisher back to the KH. He said he had 3 or 4 calls he wanted to make (they are Spanish). So we dropped him off, Picked up my daughters car (which holds 4) and took me back home. We tried to tape the window up but it wouldn't hold. So the 4 of them left me at home to do letter writing and they all went out together in the rain. Then I called and tried to get an appointment to have the window fixed and the earliest they can do it is next Monday (24th). Tomorrow My wife and I take the lead in cart witnessing but there is a 90% chance of rain and the high temperature is going to be 45 degrees (F) in the afternoon. It will be just above freezing in the morning during our shift. So despite our best efforts, time and unforeseen events overtake us all...🙂

Jenny, even I anticipate this everyday ... I still will be surprised that it is happening .. that GT is reality etc ... Because we are waiting for this sooooo loooong!

More then you care to know Dhanyel....more then you care to know. The entire association is feeling the effects of this old system of things, feelings we had never felt in the past. Not even in 1975. Today the air is heavy and suffocating. My husband has cancer and for the next 6 weeks we travel every day for radiation - Mondays through Friday. I keep him up beat and strong. I do not show him my feelings. But......when he goes to sleep I pour out my heart to Jehovah. Another elder has cancer but, worst then my husband. We continue with our ministry, meetings and our bible studys. My husband's bible student is a surgeon so, he makes sure that my husband is well taken care of and answers our questions about my husband's situation. I studied with his wife for years and this Dr. finally came in. He wants to go over the baptism study😲. Hmmmm.....we thlnk he wants to get baptized along with his wife. We will find out today what the gist is when we get back from the clinic. His study is this afternoon. Stay strong Dhanyel...we are all in this together. Continue to pray for one anther. Jehovah is listening. This will all be over soon.

My only-ever-husband of over 40 years died and left me with many, many problems. My first born son was headed his way here (from a different state) to live, work, and help out, and he passed away two months ago. Before that my house was on fire, not repaired yet though insured, my bank account has been robbed and de-frauded, Life savings gone. Police and bank involved. Apparently another son was the culprit. Can't die right now b/c I used up my cemetery plot (for in case I died in this system) for my now deceased son, who is buried with his father. Not looking to catch a break but I do try to stay active in service to Jehovah. I have enough dog food for several days and some change. This is a partial list, not a contest. Sorry about that windshield wiper. Glad you had grandchildren to go in service with you.

By the way, I also read the Question from Readers in the February 2026 Watchtower and I got the distinct impression that they are favoring the scenario where false religion gets destroyed first and then the proclamations for Peace and Security will be declared just because they explained that scenario so well and the reasoning made perfect sense. It would also be nice if it happened that way because that means the GT won't last long at all - as soon as Peace and Security is declared then it's sudden destruction. I know some friends have speculated that the GT could last years (like in the case of the Christians that fled Jerusalem when the Romans left with their encamped armies and it would be over 3 years before the Romans returned to destroy Jerusalem). It makes more sense to me that the sudden destruction (or Armageddon) would happen after P & S is declared because that is when they will notice that not all religion has been destroyed after all - Satan will make sure they see that we are still worshipping Jehovah and that is when Jehovah will act.

How do we know that the organization isn't already preparing for these scenarios? They aren”t called faithful and discreet for no reason. I wouldn't be surprised at all if there were some alternate plans to keep us spiritually fed.

I like this true statement from Feb Watchtower: If we knew all the details, we would not need to stay alert and watchful.

I just finished reading the Watchtower magazine, February 2026. ❤️

I love this thought !!! I’m trying every day (just like everyone here) to not let this system get me down! Please Jehovah help us all survive all the people that love you and are suffering right now. I’m begging you. Please keep us together and strong. 1 John 4:11 Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are also under obligation to love one another. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not over 144,000 I hope...😎

My heart goes out with you. Some of my zealous friends really feel the weight of this system including me. And those are disadvantages of getting old in this system - cancer. Honestly, im tired of hearing some jw friends getting sick and sleeping in death... Those arent easy to deal with. How long oh Jehovah? May Jehovah give you strength you need.

This is why I think the attack will be along the lines of making it illegal for religions to meet together or own property. Without brick and mortar churches and temples and religious schools, most all religions will cease. Of course, this would affect us. No more Bethel, no more print facilities, no more Kingdom Halls. However, unlike Christendom, we don't need any physical locations like that. The pandemic showed us we can meet om Zoom and continue to function as normal. We can still have our app, still be fed by the Slave, still hold meetings and still preach (even if that preaching is completely informal or under ban.) After the destruction of false religion and the pause that follows, the nations will see we are still preaching and teaching and worshipping. This will enrage the nations to turn on us specifically.

The questions from readers is very interesting.

It is on line https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-february-2026/

https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-february-2026/questions-from-readers/ 😯

Sometimes...I forget about the basics. Sometimes...I catch myself "spiritualizing" my mental exhaustion and fatigue...rationalizing: "If I would just pray a little more...", or, "If only I were more like Brother so and so...or Sister spiritual...THEN I would be okay...THEN I'd be better!! And sometimes...sometimes I forget that the most spiritual thing I could do, the most "spiritual" that I could possibly be in that moment...is just to accept that I'm human... accept that I'm weak... accept that I need to stop, eat something...and rest. Remember the time Jehovah provided a meal for a suicidal prophet? 1 Kings 19:4: "He went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree, and he asked that he might die. He said: “It is enough! Now, O Jehovah, take my life away, for I am no better than my forefathers.” A prophet of Jehovah...coming off the highest "spiritual high" he'd likely ever experienced in his life...and here we find him under a broom tree less than 48 hours later...begging Jehovah to let him die. Why? Because he had become so focused on his spiritual crisis...that he forgot about the basics. Jehovah's spirit had helped him outrun a chariot...but it was his own adrenaline that made him run from Jezebel's death threats. The account doesn't say that he ate after he ran...the account doesn't say that he drank...simply that he experienced a spiritual crisis, panicked and then ran away...into the wilderness...away from Jezebel. He ran so far, so fast...that when he finally collapsed...he forgot he was human. He attributed his failure to a SPIRITUAL failure...but actually, he had simply neglected the basics. But Jehovah didn't forget. Jehovah knew what he needed...and it wasn't a lecture...it wasn't questions about his lack of faith...or even reminders of what he had done in the past. Jehovah knew this dear faithful man needed the basics right then more than ever in his entire life...and he provided them: Rest, a gentle physical touch, food and water...and then MORE rest, followed by ANOTHER physical touch...and ANOTHER meal that then sustained him for 40 days and 40 nights!! And not just any "food"...not cold manna...not something supernatural that Elijah might not have even known what it was...but bread...a warm loaf of bread on a hot stone that no doubt smelt fragrant and wonderful...no doubt tasted crusty outside...soft inside...smelled smoky from the fire...and warmed his cold hands. But did Elijah notice any of those details? Did he even say thank you, to the angel OR to Jehovah? We don't know...we just know he ate, drank...and went back to sleep. Matthew 6:33: "Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you." Was Elijah following this principle? Yes...and that is precisely what put him in this situation in the first place. His faithfulness ANGERED Satan and his servant, Jezebel...to the point where she sought to have him killed. His suicidal breakdown came FROM putting the Kingdom first...not from avoiding it. But Elijah forgot to take care of the basics...his fear, his spiritual exhaustion CAUSED him to view death as better than life...until Jehovah stepped in...until Jehovah reminded him where his power was coming from! 1 Kings 19:7 "Later the angel of Jehovah came back a second time and touched him and said: “Get up and eat, for the journey will be too much for you." Notice the word "will"...not "could be"...not "might"...no friends, "for the journey WILL be too much for you." My dear brothers and sisters...all of you...please understand this: When you feel too drained to study, too exhausted to pray...or just too empty to feel grateful...please remember that Jehovah answered a suicidal prophet's prayer...with physical touches from a true friend, a couple of meals...and rest. And Jehovah didn't wait until Elijah pulled himself together...he didn't wait until his prophet "got his head back on straight"...he remembered what Elijah forgot...what I forget...what we ALL forget sometimes: We're human...we're imperfect...and we WILL wear out...unless we take care of the basics.

Our CO gave similar talk at our Service Meeting several weeks back. In my mind, he was almost pleading with us to put aside any differences (Matthew 5:24) and draw close together.

All I think our next focus is on February 2026 WT. It comes out this Tuesday.

All How did I know that the update will be today before others? About 2 nights ago I OD on chocolate and passed out. I usually float to other galaxes, but this time I float into the future and that is how I know the GB #7 update will be on this date. Enjoy.

2025 GB Update #7 transcript Sorry. Just corrected the post. 😅

I agree that the FDS wouldn't have published this alternative understanding if it was merely a possibility. It does give the impression that it's a probability, and why. Previously, in another thread, I pointed out that the image shows politicians and a military officer, but no religious characters. An interesting contrast to the image of a politician and the pope presenting a united front on the May 1, 2012 Watchtower! Yeah, that's over . .

This is exactly the point — I am convinced that the slave has a lot like the head of the congregation said ““I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now. (John 16:12) They are discreet.

I agree. I am sure they are prepared. Look at the use of the "JW Boxes" already being used in countries where the internet is scarce or too expensive. Congregations could be provided with a JW Box for each and every publisher (or service group) if they haven't already! Those boxes would contain everything we need to hold meetings and keep spiritually fed. I'm not counting out Jehovah in this equation either - they may be more miracles performed than merely celestial ones. Those JW Boxes can be prepared with information for a year into the future as well for meetings and such.

Ours did that the last 2 years…. It went down like a lead balloon at the meeting. both years all of us said we’d like to see the Elders in the ministry more, or at least see their support…. It ended in a lecture. luckily I’ve just moved congregations so hoping for a more positive meeting this year as quite a few of the appointed men are pioneers.

Some of the photos they showed took me way back. Bittersweet. When Jerry gets resurrected, he will be raring to begin another adventure. He even did hang-gliding! My dream when things are all settled. And perfect. After he left this area, i only knew him from afar. Iʼm thinking his family has, “Jerry-Stories”, that will last from now, until we see him again. Then starts an adventure that will actually last forever. And, i am sure, he will keep busy whith those adventures…

The Memorial was well attended. Attendance was not given but my guess was well over 300 in person and on Zoom. 99 logins on Zoom with up to 9 in a box. It was a very heartwarming talk highlighting his spiritual life being an appointed servant since age 16.

This man gets on my nerves, big time. I don’t care what the deal is!

I actually disagree. Here is why. This is what the Watchtower actually said: The Watchtower is simply proposing two possibilities without leaning more toward one than the other. It seems to me that this second possibility is a new understanding and that, in the past, the Slave was only considering one possibility. Not that it matters. We will have to wait and see. The destruction of false religion will definitely be either before or after the cry of peace and security.

They here ! Each bundle appears to have 400 tracts. The paper feels the same as invitations we had this year, high quality, thicker paper. Not card like the contact cards.

Paid clergy. The UN can argue that people are free to practice their religion but no one should profit from it. If one can belong to a religious group but that group can’t “hire” priests, 99% religions are gone. It would mean we’re free to carry on our activities, especially in the background of all the ordeal of false religions.

"Protect your spiritual food. Have a secure place in mind to hide your Bible and other spiritual food, whether in printed or in electronic form. If you're worshipping Jehovah right now in a country where the work is under ban, do not leave your spiritual food where it can easily be discovered and taken away." - 2018 Annual Meeting (12:33 timestamp) https://www.jw.org/finder?srcid=jwlshare&wtlocale=E&lank=pub-jwb_201901_4_VIDEO

I'm thinking (rambling ) When BtG is attacked, how important it is for us that we have LEFT false religion. Why? Rev 18:4 “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. So ... why should JWs be attacked when BtG is attacked? We have left her Verse 8: "That is why in one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will be completely burned with fire, because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong. They will carry out GODs will! It is Jehovah's thought that they give their power to the UN. Rev 17:16,17: "And the ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her devastated and naked, and they will eat up her flesh and completely burn her with fire. For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought, yes, to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast, until the words of God will have been accomplished." Since it is Jehovah God's will they are carrying out (by destroying BtG), is it logical that we will also be attacked? Then why this warning in Rev 18:4? Gog of Magog, however ... That's one that will come for us. 0K, rambling over.

That's the problem of asking in an internet forum. It's not like we are an official channel or anything. The friends who are replying know as much as you do. Imagine asking a question from all the attendees to a circuit assembly. How many different answers will you receive? Well, there are more members here than attendees at the assembly.

Yes, very good and helpful material. It is a fine pint our brothers make in saying that we cannot be sure of when this cry of 'peace and security' will take place, either before or after the start of GT. One thing though is for sure, it will happen!

By cnn https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/17/middleeast/us-gaza-israel-un-vote-intl-latam The UN Security Council passed a US-drafted resolution Monday that aims to move beyond the fragile truce in Gaza to a more sustainable peace and the reconstruction of the devastated enclave. The 15-member council voted 13 to 0 in favor of the resolution, with abstentions by Russia and China, which declined to use their veto power to block the measure. The resolution was intended to add international legitimacy to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan, parts of which formed the basis of the ceasefire that took effect in the Gaza Strip last month. The United States had lobbied hard for its passage, which was praised by Trump in a lengthy post on social media. “Congratulations to the World on the incredible Vote of the United Nations Security Council, just moments ago, acknowledging and endorsing the BOARD OF PEACE, which will be chaired by me, and include the most powerful and respected Leaders throughout the World,” Trump wrote Monday. The resolution authorized elements of the plan, including the establishment of the “Board of Peace” as a transitional authority and the creation of a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, according to a draft seen by CNN. Trump said Monday that “the members of the Board, and many more exciting announcements, will be made in the coming weeks.” Some diplomatic sources said the resolution will help grant the authority for countries to participate in the ISF, as it will now have UN backing. US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz said Monday that the ISF, “a strong coalition of peacekeepers, many from Muslim majority nations like Indonesia, Azerbaijan and others,” will deploy to Gaza “under a unified command” in order to “secure Gaza streets … oversee demilitarization … protect civilians and … escort aid through safe corridors.” US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had acknowledged the need for an “international mandate” to support the plan. Ahead of the vote, Waltz warned that “a vote against this resolution is a vote to return to war.” Although the resolution has passed, many questions remain about its implementation, with the draft appearing vague on sequencing and detail.

Right now you having a break of posting this and that is fine. One way or another, we face a difficult times. If you not working today, just go out in the ministry. It might soothe you. Even just one hour out can mean a lot of deference. Jehovah understands what you are going through and we all love you too. Do not forget that Jehovah provide us with may gifts and that is his son, bible, ministry, bible base publications, and organization. The world does not have these because they choose to ignore it. Later on today the new Watchtower (February 2026) should be in line with new info on P&S from Questions from Readers. Take time to look at this with your bible too. At times a spiritual break is what we need and Jehovah knows you need it my brother. Get your good night sleep and have a blessed day too.

“At God’s appointed time, those political powers will turn on symbolic Babylon. They “will make her devastated and naked” by plundering her wealth and exposing her wickedness” - WT September 2019. A third of Satan’s System gone suddenly.

BTG owns a lot of businesses. If you strip businesses from them, they cannot function. This will happen.

I don't think we will be destroyed in the attack because we know how to go underground, whereas other religions would fight back. Let's take one possible scenario: if they change the law so that all churches have to pay taxes, we might be the only one that could legitimately pay them. That alone would spare us from destruction even though the attack was technically made on all religions. When they realize we survived, that's when God of Magog attacks. Another scenario: if worship is banned, we go straight to Zoom and carry on while other religions protest and riot. By the time they are done quashing the descentors, we will be the only ones still worshipping and they won't even notice because we're underground. We preach the hailstone message and Gog of Magog tries to destroy us. Getting out of Babylon the Great is what will protect us because we won't be on a list of their members or joining in with their protests.

I'm not confident that when the mandate comes from the United Nations to attack all religions that there will be an exception that states "except Jehovah's Witnesses." But who knows. I'm looking forward to being surprised.

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. I try to focus on the positive things in life. But lately it seems like everyday theres something negative happening that tries to disrupt my peace. Its been like this for at least a year and a half now. I worked 2 jobs. But I quit 1 of them 5 months ago, to free up more time, so I can do more spiritually. Since I quit that job, these random negative things seemed to have intensified. I try to be spiritually strong. Doing my best to keep a good spiritual routine, while managing everyday life in general. But it just seems really overwhelming sometimes. I know many of us are facing different trials as Satan's system draws closer to it's end. I just wanted to post how I've been feeling lately, and see if anyone else can relate? Or want to share your experiences? Or if anyone has some advice/ encouragement?

nothing new here

Well well well looks like the security council is becoming functional after all this stalling time

Something to give much thought to. It fits also with our Watchtower study, over this last weekend - 'Call the Elders'. Part of their oversight should be seen in their ministry time, working with and speaking to the brothers and sisters. With the new CO starting his visits, there maybe new emphasis on aspects of our Christian life, but one thing is for sure - we all need encouragement, simply to keep on going. Well done on what you do, Hannah, may you find joy in your new congregation.

Personally, I do not want nobody close to my chocolate.

sounds like we are so close which is good.

So funny! It reminds me of a meme I saw 16 years ago that showed a except from a text group thread between Jesus and his 12 disciples. Jesus : Shortly one of you will betray me. Peter; Even if I have to die with you, I will by no means disown you.” Judas Iscariot has left the chat. This visual was so powerful to me I reflect on it at least weekly and pray I never succumb to fear of man. I think the ability for a funny joke really brings me home the lesson with humor then leaves a serious concern in its wake. Thanks for this one. Someday soon..