I’ve heard about some of the intense training that the elite military Special Services goes through. Not everyone is capable of entering such a grueling regimen but those that finish are the best of the best. If I were trapped behind enemy territory in need of a rescue, it’s the Special Service graduate I’d want coming for me.

I got to thinking: what’s the difference between the obstacles a recruit encounters in training versus real world scenarios? Very little if the training is good. The more practice maneuvers mirror the life they will actually encounter the better chance the mission will succeed.

Do you think maybe God has us in Special Services training? We have an enemy out there who is serious about capturing and destroying us. If we are softies we are going to get taken out pronto. We need to toughen up and the best training is the real stuff that comes at us in the trials and tribulations of life.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12) I’ve often been surprised by my own fiery trials but I shouldn’t be. There’s God’s Word giving me plain warning.

If we viewed adversity as the valuable training we need for overcoming Satan we would also better obey the next verse which tells us “keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.” (Verse 13)

Buck up! Graduation day will make it all worthwhile.