Faith and Resilience: Training for Life’s Battles

Hey friend,

Have you ever seen videos on YouTube that show Marines in training? Yesterday, one was suggested to me courtesy of a YouTube algorithm. And this one was crazy! The Marine had his hands tied behind his back, and he was underwater. I held my breath as he jumped in and out of the pool to catch his. Then, he dove down deep and pulled something out of the water with his mouth. With his stinking mouth! I was fascinated by his calm demeanor. Do you think we could do it? I just can’t even imagine it. The thought alone is enough to evoke tension in my body. “Just kidding! Just kidding! Don’t even think about it,” I tell myself, paying special attention to the unclenching of my jaw. Don’t. Even. Think. About. It.

But I can’t help it! It gets me thinking about a lot of things, especially my own limitations, but mostly, it gets me thinking about war and, quite honestly, about needing to fight. So, I guess that means it’s time to write. (Hey, that kinda rhymed.) At least then, it’ll stop swirling around in my mind and spirit. Speaking of fighting! Side note: Did I tell you that EMDR is really pulling me out of “Fight or flight” mode? I am finally starting to feel lighter and a little more at ease. There is still a gnawing sensation that a man is going to break into my home and I will be unable to defend myself, but those sensations are becoming fewer and further between.

Unfortunately, it’s not an irrational fear. It is anything but. Especially if it’s happened before. Because then it’s not irrational. It’s entirely rational. And I know it. And if you’ve experienced anything similar to what I have, you know it too. It could happen. And if it has, I’m so sorry, friend, and I wish I could give you the kind of hug that heals your heart. (Insert a big hug and a little kiss here.)

But, back to the Marines. I was so impressed. And I still am, to be honest. But I’m also deeply humbled. The Marines are trained by mere men. Let that sink in for a second. And I will speak for myself in saying I have so much confidence in them. Knowing that they exist and are protecting our nation makes me feel so safe! But you and I? We are trained by the Lord. But do we even sound like King David? Because if that were me now, I would panic and get pulled out of the water. And I certainly don’t sound like the Psalm of David! “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle — my lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the one in who I take refuge, who subdues my people under me” (Psalm 144:1-2, NKJV). 

Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. I am so guilty of forgetting. There have been so many times that I have been on my knees, bent over with my face to the ground, in tears, asking, “Lord, what are you doing?!” “What are you doing?!” “I don’t understand.” And every single time, the response was the same. “I am weaponizing you.” So, what if that’s true for both of us? What if the pain, the frustration, the hurt, the disappointments, and the agony of the circumstances not changing are allowed by him for a season because he is preparing us for battle? Can we say that amid our pain? Let me be honest in saying I don’t always see that, let alone feel it in the midst of mine.

But, what if we stop praying for things to change, and instead, we praise him as David did in saying, “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle – my lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the one in who I take refuge, who subdues my people under me” (Psalm 144:1-2, NKJV). 

He is not an “UNKNOWN GOD” like the one Paul mentions in Acts 17. He is KNOWN. And he is training us up for battle. If we had put on a combat uniform this morning, would we have approached the day and all that came along with it differently?

My spirit resonated with a hearty ‘yes!’ 

I wouldn’t be praying for change. Instead, I would be praising God for training my hands for war and my fingers for battle. 

Stand tall with me, will ya? 
iK