Michael had spent years training for his moment. As a young firefighter in training, he had learned everything in the academy—how to handle a hose, climb ladders, break through doors, and rescue people from burning buildings. His instructors drilled him relentlessly, testing his endurance, teaching him strategy, and preparing him for what was to come. But no amount of training could replace the moment when he would stand face-to-face with fire for the first time.
The day finally came when he was called into action. A house was engulfed in flames, and he had to enter. His training told him what to do, but now it was real. The heat, the smoke, the weight of his gear—it all pressed in. And yet, something incredible happened. His training kicked in, his instincts were sharp, and he realized—I am ready for this. God’s people went through the same experience when they entered the Promised Land. For forty years under Joshua and Caleb, they had been trained for battle. These two mighty warriors had led them, taught them strategy, and prepared them for war. But for years, they had only known the wilderness. They had never lived in the land of promise, never yet fought to take hold of what God had given them. Then the time came for them to move from training to real battle.
Judges 3:1-2 (NLT) says, “These are the nations that the Lord left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle.”
God left enemies in the land—not to harm His people, but to confirm that they were warriors. He had already promised them the victory, but they needed to step into it. Their training had been decades long, their preparation thorough, but now was the time to engage. The obstacles before them were not signs of God’s absence; they were proof of His faith in them. He had made them into warriors—now they needed to see it in themselves. How often do we pray for an easy path? We ask God to remove every obstacle and make our lives smooth and trouble-free. And yet, God knows that our challenges will reveal what He has already placed within us. It’s where whatever is inside us—our words, our faith, and our character—spills out. The time we spend as young Christians growing in Christ and seeking the Holy Spirit to transform our faith in God as well as our heart and mind is our fire training. It’s what prepares us, shapes us, and strengthens us for all of Satan’s attacks upon our lives. When we encounter opposition, it is not to break us but to prove that He has equipped us with His wisdom and courage to see us to victory. Judges 3:4 (NLT) continues, “These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses.”
Their battle wasn’t just about military strength—it was about obedience. Would they trust that God had already given them the victory? Would they stay faithful to Him when surrounded by enemies and temptation? Would they be lured into false gods and immoralities incompatible with God's ways? The real battle wasn’t just fought with swords but with faithful, wholehearted devotion to God and His ways. You may be facing obstacles today that feel overwhelming. You may wonder why God hasn’t removed the struggle and why the challenges before you still stand. But what if, instead of asking for them to be removed, you asked God to show you what He has already placed inside of you? What if you saw these battles not as setbacks but as the moment where your training meets your calling as you enter the fire?
Pray this: “Lord, I know You have been preparing me for this moment. I trust that what I face today is not meant to defeat me but to show me that I am ready. Please lead me by Your Spirit, strengthen my faith, help me to stand, and remind me that You have already equipped me for victory.” Just like the Israelites, you are more prepared than you think. God hasn’t left you to struggle—He has positioned you to conquer. Step forward in unwavering faith, knowing you are a warrior—shaped by His Word, strengthened through prayer, and prepared for victory!
Colossians 1:10 (ESV) "… walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
More next time with Part 2 on how and why God prepares us for a blessing as we walk through life’s challenges to victory!
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
