Sorry it’s been a while since I’ve written, but as my last blog stated, I’m at the beginning stages of writing a book. That being said, I have still reserved myself the right to blog when I feel so inclined, as evidenced by the following…
While going through the torture that is their training, I wonder how many Navy SEALs laugh in the heat of a blistering, Sahara Desert afternoon. How many, do you figure, will frolic in the bitter cold of the frigid, Atlantic ocean? Man, while they are training, the voices inside their heads must be screaming, “Quit, you fool! You don’t have to take this!” I wonder how many write home, telling loved ones or friends, “Having a great time at SEAL camp; wish you were here!”
None, I’d wager.
I’m sure they would tell you it’s a living HELL. But there is a purpose: to forge them—through the fires of punishment, conditioning and training—into a fine-tuned and fearless weapon of warfare. If they want to fulfill their dreams of becoming one of the toughest and most elite fighting machines on planet Earth, the training (i.e. “punishment” i.e. “torture”) is necessary.
The Apostle Paul said, “Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, just as I do (2 Timothy 2:3).”
When we’re going through a trial, it often feels as if we’re being punished for doing something wrong. Think about this, however: what if God wants to strengthen and train us, instead of punish us for screwing up? What if He is forging us—through the HELL which is our pain and suffering—into weapons of holy warfare? The kind of soldier who will not think twice about standing toe-to-toe with ole Slewfoot himself, the Devil, knowing it is not US the enemy fears, but rather, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Maybe that’s why you’re going through this trial!
Just a thought.
So take a deep breath, and tell yourself, “My Heavenly Father loves me, and like any loving father, He has to train and correct me as I grow.”
Here is one of my favorite passages of scripture, to illustrate my point:
“Let God train you, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. Whoever heard of a son who was never corrected? If God doesn’t punish you when you need it, as other fathers punish their sons, then it means that you aren’t really God’s son at all—that you don’t really belong in his family. Since we respect our fathers here on earth, though they punish us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to God’s training so that we can begin really to live? Our earthly fathers trained us for a few brief years, doing the best for us that they knew how, but God’s correction is always right and for our best good, that we may share his holiness. Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening—it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character. So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves but become strong (Hebrews 12:7-13).”
I hope this will help you look at your current trial a bit differently.
And remember: never give up, never give in, never surrender!
Blessings…
Broken People 