Train

February 22, 2019

“When the king of Egypt let the people go, God did not take them by the road that goes up the coast to Philistia, although it was the shortest way. God thought, “I do not want the people to change their minds and return to Egypt when they see that they are going to have to fight.” Instead, he led them in a roundabout way through the desert towards the Red Sea. The Israelites were armed for battle.”  —Exodus 13:17-18 GNB

“When the Israelites saw the king and his army marching against them, they were terrified and cried out to the Lord for help.” —Exodus 14:10

When Israel left Egypt, they weren’t a mere ragtag bunch of former slaves who stumbled out of bondage. The Bible says they were armed for battle, marching out in military formation; they weren’t as helpless as they believed. Somehow they had managed to collect a rather formidable array of weapons, and were organized to protect themselves. They just hadn’t yet been tested in battle; they were green recruits. As newbies, when the experienced army of Pharaoh approached, they were ready to turn tail and run. 

God provides for our protection and success; the armor of God Paul mentions in Ephesians 6 is more than adequate for our defense, and the Holy Spirit is more than adequate empowerment for the work God has given us to do. But equipment doesn’t necessarily include the courage and faith we need to face life’s battles. That comes through training and experience. Any soldier who refuses to train becomes more of a liability than an asset to his unit. Equipment is only equipment. If we don’t know how to use it, it’s just stuff. We must decide to train in spiritual disciplines so we are able to actually benefit from all God has given us. A raw recruit is usually going to succumb to fear, turn tail, and run. Training makes all the difference. If we don’t listen to the Instructor (the Holy Spirit) as he teaches us the training manual (the Bible), if we don’t actually train and practice the disciplines of prayer, worship, study, and witness, when push comes to shove we will like those well-equipped Hebrews, be overcome with fear. Hopefully, we’ll have enough presence of mind to do as they did and call upon the Lord.

I’d rather do that as a trained follower of Christ than as someone unfamiliar with God’s provision. I’m thankful this is possible through the age-old spiritual disciplines we have been given. It’s time to just “do it.”