These days, combat boots are considered fashionable. You can buy pairs with spikes, prints, or even a worn, "rugged" look for effect. My very stylish younger sister wears them all the time.
For fashion lovers who never have nor will engage in true military battle, combat boots are merely trendy. But real combat boots worn by actual soldiers have nothing to do with fashion.
They are specially designed to provide a combination of grip, ankle stability, and foot protection most suitable to a rugged environment.
Though the fashion world allows us to sport styles that were not intended for recreation or style purposes, in the Kingdom of God, we can't fake it. If we are going to work for the Lord, we've got to "lace up" our boots and walk this thing out.
You and I are soldiers in God's army, which means, like it or not, we have to go through difficult training in order to thrive and survive.
Just for a minute, imagine what would happen if soldiers were recruited into the armed forces and immediately put on the front lines before going through boot camp, and all the rigorous training it takes to turn boys into men, and girls into women fit for battle.
Rivers of blood would flow from the wounds of ill-fated fighters placed in a predicament they were in no way equipped to handle.
What kind of military official would commission an untrained army?
Though the training process is difficult, intense, and seemingly designed to break down those subjected to it, it is, in fact, meant to build the trainees up.
The preparation phase develops strength and muscles—both physical and mental.
It sharpens reflexes, heightens instincts, and develops tactical skills. But without it, there would be no way a recruit could survive the harsh elements under the intense attack of the enemy.
That is what I want you to draw from this cup of inspiration today.
If you have been wondering why you are going through such an intensified season of testing, God is just getting you ready to do great exploits for Him.
But He cannot send you out unprepared.
So He is taking you through a “vetting” process, which, by definition is “Investigating (someone) thoroughly, especially in order to ensure that they are suitable for a job requiring secrecy, loyalty, or trustworthiness.”
To integrate an unvetted individual into an important operation is a major no-no and a recipe for disaster.
My friend, God will not take you to the high heights He has predestined for you without ensuring that you have what it takes to hold up under pressure. The skills, qualities, and tenaciousness it takes to thrive while walking in destiny, can only be gotten through adversity.
So instead of questioning God’s methods and being frustrated with His process, thank the Lord that He loves you enough to refine you in the furnace of affliction so that when you come forth, you’ll be as pure gold.
Listen. The hardest trials of my life did not make much sense to me as I was going through them.
I, like anyone else, wanted to be rescued, delivered, and set free right away. But after coming out of them, I could clearly see how God used them for my development and His glory.
Today, I can truly say I am so much better for having gone through the things I thought I could not take, because no progress ever comes without a process.
To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring 2 Timothy 2:3 from the Amplified Bible into your cup of inspiration. It says, “Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded that hardship, struggles, and trials build character, strength, and maturity in us. Through our difficulties we grow into the powerful, capable, and unflinching soldiers ready to fight the enemy and win.
This process is for your good.
Now let’s pray.
God, when I feel tempted to give into discouragement in the midst of my trials, please remind me that this struggle is only training, preparing, and equipping me to walk in divine purpose. Today I pray to receive the supernatural strength I need to go through. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
