Training for Trial

Scripture:  I Peter 4:12 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.

Advertisements for the military service are exciting and exhilarating; they capture my attention and cause my mind to become intrigued; what if I had joined a branch of the military; how would I have made it through such a vigorous and rigorous training program; how would I have survived the sergeant’s yells and screams to do better...Then thoughts of this Christian race came to my mind.  We are required to become disciplined in what brings Christ pleasure.  Basic training (often referred to in the military)  involves exercises that build strength, endurance, and discipline.  It prepares individuals for the ultimate trial, a battle, a war.  When a trial comes; it allows us to practice what we have learned & embraced as reasonable service. A trial should cause us to practice disciplines we have learned and become accustomed.  I used to hear the song, “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” and did not understand the song (this truth is also found in Matthew 25).  Well, of course older and I would like to think a little wiser, I understand this song to mean, the end may be near but until then stay prepared.  Training equips us to be ready for what is to come.  We already know trials are coming.  Christ said (John 16:33b), “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  Therefore, we read and seek God to understand and practice His Word; we submit to Christ’s authority and give Him worship with not only our mouths but with how we live, move, and have our being.  We train so that even in a trial His fragrance permeates our space that the Lord would remain before us enabling us to fulfill our eternal purpose…and yes, that includes even in and through trials.  “Losing it” is not the godly option; we must stay vigilant, on course, as we have trained or else, we may lose our testimony.  Is it worth it to gain any piece of this world and lose our most precious witness?  Let’s put on God’s “familiar” armor (we have trained, so we know His armor very well & it fits perfectly); and just like when we were in training:  Lord, give us an attitude of determination to capture, seize, apprehend the victory!

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your love and the time of training.  Help us to build one another up in our faith in You, that we may stay strong and faithful.  Thank You for giving us the ability to stand and conduct ourselves triumphantly, even in battle or trial; have us to continue to desire to look more like Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ – All for Your Glory, God…In Jesus’ Name-Amen!

(by Lisa Williams)