“He [God] trained us first, passed us like silver through refining fires, brought us into hardscrabble country, pushed us to our very limit, road-tested us inside and out, took us to hell and back, finally he brought us to this well-watered place.” Psalm 66.10,11,12
As time and age play games with my body, I often wonder what it would be like to be a top-tier athlete. At different phases, I have pursued training regimens with unlimited enthusiasm, now I watch from a distance. This reflection comes from playing sports with men young enough to be my son. There are occasions where I dominate the game, however, most of the time one of us will eke out a victory that is primarily a statement of one’s mental stamina. What would it be like to know a fit and trim body? Would I even recognize the discipline of a regular training regimen?
Most men do now accept getting older easily. I accept getting older and dying as life facts. I cannot change them; I can only work within their parameters. The question is one of purpose and living life to the fullest. Do I want the most out of life?
David faced adversity most of his life. Granted much of his problems came from his own hand, however the difficulty and challenge remained. I find life to be following a similar pattern. Adversities while you are young because of things outside of your making, adversity when you are older because of your pride and self-focus. What would it be like to tackle adversities without a doubt of victory? Is it possible for anyone facing this kind and size of challenge to be that disciplined? What do I really want out of life?
David knew what he wanted out of life. I know what I want out of life. We both want to know God. David’s prayers express this passionate desire. David’s knew that he was out of shape and undisciplined. David understood and asked God to train him so he could get to that “well-watered place”. Join us.
