Training

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1

I've heard it said that it takes 21 days to break an old habit and an additional 21 days to form a new one. That's a total of 42 days or 6 weeks. When you're trying to form a new habit--eating right, exercising, taking better care of your body, trusting God, being transparent, trusting and/or listening to your spouse--6 weeks can feel like an eternity. But, from the benefits side, it's worth it.

God knows that when He created us, we were made from clay, which is why He says in His Word, "Stand firm," because He knows that when we are so close, many will give up and then will have to start over again later. If God knows we are weak, why must we endure such a lengthy retraining? It is because God needs warriors. Joel 3:10, "Train even your weaklings to be warriors." God needs us to follow Him, without question, so He uses these times as a training ground. He needs people who will stick with it, who won't quit on Him. He is raising up warriors.

I know you're thinking, "You just don't understand my situation, you just don't understand my pain." Probably not, but God does and He's with you every step of the way as your coach. He's calling out to you, "Come on, one more step, one more, one more! Keep going, it's almost over, it's almost done! You're almost there, you've almost got it! Keep going, don't quit, don't quit, don't quit!" God knows what you are going through, He knows what you're facing, but He's allowing it because He needs something from you: He needs warriors. He needs us in the field to be His hands and feet to walk with others who need Him, too. This is your training ground, don't quit. It's not even about the rewards in heaven--and they are promised to us as rewards. It's about the day when your training will be over and God will call out to you, "Your training is done. Now get on your feet and walk!"

Train even your weaklings to be warriors...And now, O Lord, call out your warriors! ~ Joel 3:10-11