The Battle Tested

"The only easy day was yesterday." -Navy Seals

One of the world's most respected and elite military divisions, the Navy Seals, has to undergo intense training before the candidates are allowed to wear that honorable distinction. They must train as if lives are at stake so that they will know what to do when lives really are at stake. The candidates must endure simulations that test every fiber of their being and many are unable to pass these very difficult "exams." I think the pressure that some of God's people undergo is along the same lines, though different in nature. God allows us to go through many trials and tribulations in order to refine our character, skills, and abilities. The biggest test of all is being able to hold on to our faith when life delivers devastating blows to us. Are we able to keep our head, remember our training, and continue to advance? Or will we fold under the weight like so many? The answer to that question separates the grown ups from kids in God's spiritual military.