Trained to Win
One day a father was planning to buy a house with a pool. As he was planning for the purchase, he knew that he had to plan for safety as well. Many children die from drowning in pools and other water bodies. He therefore enrolled his 3-year-old daughter, Tasha, into a swimming class. He paid for the best instructor because he wanted the best for his girl.
Tasha was afraid of water, and she hated her swimming classes. Tasha’s dad would drop her off to her swim class, and then go into a hidden room to watch Tasha’s swim lessons. She would cry, fuss, and complain, until she finally realized that she had no choice but to learn how to swim. Day after day she pleaded with her father not to take her back to the classes, until she finally got over her fear and began to enjoy swimming. She became an amazing swimmer.
One day, while at a neighbor’s house, in the new neighborhood where everyone had a pool, she saw her little playmate going to the pool area where no one was watching. Tasha thought that her friend Jake could swim, but they were soon to find out. Both Tasha and Jake jumped into the pool, while their caregiver was taking a nap. Jake drowned while Tasha survived.
One day, when Tasha grew up, she came across a picture of her at 3 years old with her little friend Jake, who had drowned. She asked about him and was told the story. As saddened as Tasha was to learn about the tragedy, she appreciated her father for the swim lessons which saved her life. She came to learn that throughout all her lessons and tests in swimming, her father never left her. He was always there watching her. Her father had seen the danger of Tasha not knowing how to swim, and he turned her weakness into strength by training her to win in her future when the challenge would be presented. On that fateful day, while Jake was struggling to swim, drowning, and fighting for his life, Tasha was having a blast and enjoying the swim.
As God’s obedient children, we often find ourselves in unpleasant situations and wonder why God would allow great discomfort and pain into our lives. Just as a good father prepares his child for what is to come so that they will be victorious, God sees our future and prepares us for victory. He never leaves us while in the process. He is constantly watching over us as we train, even when we feel alone. These tests are meant to strengthen us. God is always intentional. We may suffer physically, emotionally, and mentally, but our spiritual muscle is strengthened. After the test, God always restores his children.
Psalm 23:3a “He restores my soul;”
The world, just like they misjudged Christ, may judge us as being “punished” by God for something we may have done. Remember, if we are suffering for obeying God, we do not need to explain ourselves away. Job tried to explain himself to his friends, but he only got more backlash and rebuke from them. Jesus tried to answer the questions as well from his accusers, but they turned it around and called Him blasphemous. God restored and rewarded Job after all was said and done in the presence of his accusers. God the Father resurrected and glorified Christ and gave Him the name that is above every name. Let God restore and do the explanation for you when he sets a table before you in the presence of your accusers. I have learned not to vindicate myself because people will always believe what they want to believe no matter what the truth is. Only God can vindicate you.
Psalm 23: 4-6 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.”