As a young child it didn't take long for me to realize that life was difficult. Scraped knees and stomach aches were a frequent reminder. But it has taken me a few decades to fully comprehend that life is difficult by design.
Often when trouble comes I hear people say something like "life shouldn't be this way." But let's consider the case of Adam and Eve. When they were put in the Garden of Eden, they were not given any warnings about this subtle serpent who would soon come their way to deceive them and introduce them to a world of suffering. It could be argued that they were blind sided. Couldn't this have all been avoided?
I am beginning to understand that the Master Planner has a master plan that is somewhat hidden from us. But part of that plan is to develop character in His people.
If Yahvah is a man of war then it's only natural that He would want His children to learn how to engage in warfare as well. That can't happen in a vacuum. And so we often find ourselves in what seems like impossible situations.
King David said "He teaches my hands to war so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms." -2 Sam. 22:35 In another place he said "Blessed be Yahvah my rock which teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." -Psalm 144:1
But what about us? We are supposed to endure hardness as good soldiers, fight the fight of faith, resist the enemy and endure the testing of our faith. If it was meant to be easy then it wouldn't be called a test and we wouldn't have to actively contend for the faith or strive to enter in.
Within the tribes of Rueben, Gad and half of Manasseh were valiant men and able warriors, but the secret to their victory was that they cried to Elohim in the battle and they put their trust in Him. (1 Chron. 5:20.) Later these same mighty men were defeated in battle because they had succumbed to idolatry. (v25,26)
Often our biggest struggle is resisting the temptation to rely on our own strength. We need some mighty men of valor today. Able ministers like the apostles who were both bold and humble at the same time. They were gentle yet firm. Candid but compassionate.
But like us, these men were groaning and travailing, awaiting the redemption of their bodies. Awaiting the restoration of all things. Good warriors are known for their patience while waiting for their next command. But most of all, holding the fort, waiting for their Commander in chief to re-appear to completely set things in order.
Today there is a faithful remnant of the seed of the woman who are still being attacked by the dragon (that old serpent) and the battle is getting more intense. But the issues of contention have not changed. It's still all about the commandments of Yahvah and the testimony of Yahshua the Messiah.
Even though there is a beast that has been given authority to make war with the saints we know that his time is short and our redemption is getting closer every day.
So let's fully arm ourselves for battle so that we can stand against the tricks of the enemy as the conflict comes to a climax. (Eph. 6:11-18)
Every bible verse you can memorize is another bullet in your ammunition vest which may save your life or someone else's life someday. The time to prepare is now, but don't "think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you as though some strange thing happened to you: but rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of the Messiah's sufferings: that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12) And remember if we "suffer with Him we shall also reign with Him." (2 Timothy 2:12)